INTEGRATION OF MENTAL HEALTH INTO MANAGEMENT OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN PRIMARY CARE: A PROJECT REPORT.

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organisation's (WHO) 2013-2030 mental health action plan emphasized the complex relationship between mental disorders and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The integration of mental health into the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is crucial. This is a report of an integrated care project in primary care for the management of patients with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. This practice quality improvement project was executed in a primary care hospital in Ghana under the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) Integrating Care Leadership and Advocacy Programme.

Objective: To increase mental health help-seeking among adult patients with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes through service integration.

Project methods: The project duration was from September 2023 to April 2024. The project involved screening, providing information about common warning signs for mental health problems through posters, and available health personnel from whom patients can seek help. Adult patients with hypertension and/or Type 2 diabetes were screened using the PHQ-4 tool for anxiety and depression from October 2023 to January 2024 and Health education sessions on mental health were organized for patients once every three months.

Project outcomes: The project screened 205 patients from October 2023 to January 2024, of which 39 (19%) were found to have either anxiety or depression and were managed by a collaborative team of professionals through patient-centred approaches. Following management, 36 had resolution of symptoms and three transferred their care to other facilities. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating mental health into care for chronic diseases enhancing access to appropriate interventions through collaborative teams.

Conclusion: Integrating mental health into NCD management is essential for improving patient outcomes. This project demonstrates the necessity of such integration in primary care settings, advocating for policy with detailed guidelines for integrating mental health into NCD care in Ghana.