Psychiatric and primary care professionals’ suggestions for reducing cardiovascular risks for psychiatric patients

Area of Science:

• Medical sociology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Context:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality in France.
• CVD is the primary cause of excess mortality in individuals with long-term mental disorders (LTMD), excluding suicide-related deaths.
• Effective management of cardiovascular risk (CVR) is crucial for this vulnerable population.

Purpose:

• To identify the expectations and needs of psychiatric users regarding CVR management.
• To understand the perspectives of primary care and psychiatric professionals on improving CVR management for LTMD patients.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions for better healthcare coordination and CVR reduction.

Summary:

• A qualitative study involving 30 psychiatric and 26 primary care professionals explored patient needs for managing cardiovascular risk in individuals with long-term mental disorders (LTMD).
• Psychiatric professionals emphasized the need for better coordination with out-of-hospital care, respecting psychiatric specificities.
• Primary care professionals expressed a desire for increased knowledge about psychiatric disorders and treatments to better manage patients with specific needs.

Impact:

• Findings will inform the development of appropriate interventions to effectively reduce cardiovascular risk in people with LTMD.
• Improved understanding between psychiatric and primary care professionals can enhance patient care and outcomes.
• Addressing the specific needs of LTMD patients can lead to significant improvements in managing their cardiovascular health.