[Health Assistants Perspectives on Team-Led Program for Patients with Panic Disorder in General Practice - A...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Primary care medicine
• Mental health interventions

Background:

• Family practices face increasing demands for mental health support.
• Behavioral therapy interventions are crucial for managing conditions like panic disorder.
• The role of medical assistants (MAs) in patient care is evolving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore medical assistants' perspectives on their involvement in behavior-therapy oriented interventions within family practice.
• To understand MAs' experiences with patient recruitment, communication, and implementation of interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 15 medical assistants.
• Participants were case managers in a general practitioner-supported exercise program for panic disorder patients.
• Interviews focused on patient interaction, exercise communication, and practical implementation.

Main Results:

• Medical assistants reported positive experiences in recruiting and monitoring patients via telephone.
• MAs found their contribution to patient management within the intervention to be effective.
• Key aspects included patient engagement and communication of therapeutic exercises.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening the role of medical assistants can enhance targeted mental health support in primary care.
• MAs can facilitate low-threshold interventions for patients with mental health issues.
• Increased MA involvement can alleviate general practitioner workload.