Development and outcomes of a psychiatric pharmacy clinic for indigent patients

The development and outcomes of an outpatient psychiatric pharmacy clinic serving a mostly indigent Hispanic population are described.

Su Clinica Familiar (SCF) is a community health center in Texas's Lower Rio Grande Valley that sees over 30,000 patients a year, 20% of whom have a psychiatric disorder. In 2005 SCF began collaborating with a psychiatric clinical pharmacist to provide free psychiatric services within the health center. SCF patients with mental health complications were referred to the clinic by their primary care provider. Consultation notes were reviewed by the medical director, and treatment, if approved, was begun the same day. During the period from April 2005 to June 2006, 96 (77%) of 125 patients referred to the psychiatric pharmacy clinic actually attended it. Fifty-three (72%) of the 74 patients who were asked to return for follow-up care returned. Over 90% of the pharmacist's clinical recommendations were accepted. Most referrals were for depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment; other referrals were for insomnia, medication education, and smoking cessation. The medications most frequently prescribed were sertraline and donepezil. Cost savings were estimated at $22,380.

A psychiatric pharmacy clinic in an underserved region appeared to benefit patients' mental health and save money.