Impact of an easy-access VA clinic-based program for patients with bipolar disorder

• DOI: 10.1176/ps.48.4.491
• Publication Date: 2014-12-17T21:05:51Z
• Authors: Mark S. Bauer; Liza‐Jane McBride; Nicholas Shea; C Gavin; F Holden; Sally Kendall
• Keywords: Psychoeducation; Veterans Affairs; Outreach; Triage

The study examined the impact of easy access to ambulatory services for patients with bipolar disorder in a clinic-based program at Veterans Affairs medical center. Core components included medication administration based on treatment algorithms, standardized psychoeducation, and single primary nurse provider enhance continuity care. had no community outreach or extensive rehabilitation components. used mirror-image design compare patients' data from year before entry when received standard clinical care first program. Process outcome 103 complete one are reported. findings indicated increased patient satisfaction intensity without side effects year. Although scheduled clinic visits as expected, use emergency room psychiatric triage team decreased significantly. Patients who were high utilizers experienced significant reductions hospital days total mental health expenditures. Easy care, even if limited services, may have beneficial important process measures disorder. These be attributable on-demand provider, improved delivery reduce "efficacy-effectiveness gap" Results indicate that augmenting, rather than limiting, major illnesses such overall