An expert consensus on core competencies in integrated care for psychiatrists

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Health Services Research
• Medical Education

Background:

• Integrated care, also known as shared or collaborative care, is a mandatory component of psychiatry residency training in Canada.
• Defining core competencies is essential for all psychiatric postgraduate learners, irrespective of their future practice.
• This study focuses on competencies applicable across diverse practice settings and populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the essential competencies for integrated care practice in psychiatry.
• To identify competencies crucial for all psychiatric postgraduate learners.
• To inform curriculum development for integrated care training.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed.
• Qualitative interviews were conducted with nine psychiatrists experienced in integrated care.
• A quantitative survey using a modified Delphi method was administered to 35 experts.

Main Results:

• Integrated care aims to enhance mental health care quality in primary and community settings.
• Key competencies include broad clinical expertise, interprofessional teamwork, collaborative leadership, knowledge exchange, and program consultation.
• All psychiatrists need knowledge of integrated care models and implementation strategies.

Conclusions:

• Psychiatrists require broad clinical skills and interprofessional collaboration for effective integrated care.
• Training should incorporate clinical exposure to primary/community settings and didactic teaching.
• Essential training components include evidence-based integrated care models, quality improvement, leadership, health systems, and population health.