Integrated Behavioral Health Implementation and Training in Primary Care: A Practice-Based Research Network Study

Integrating behavioral health services into primary care has a strong evidence base, but how primary care training programs incorporate integrated behavioral health (IBH) into care delivery and training has not been well described. The goal of this study was to evaluate factors related to successful IBH implementation in family medicine (FM) residency programs and assess perspectives and attitudes on IBH among program leaders.

FM residency programs, all which are required to provide IBH training, were recruited from the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network. After completing eligibility screening that included the Integrated Practice Assessment Tool (IPAT) questionnaire, 14 training programs were included. Selected practices identified 3 staff in key roles to be interviewed: medical director or similar, behavioral health professional (BHP), and chief medical officer or similar.

Forty-one individuals from 14 FM training programs were interviewed. IPAT scores ranged from 4 (Close Collaboration Onsite) to 6 (Full Collaboration). Screening, outcome tracking, and treatment differed among and within practices. Use of curricula and trainee experience also varied with little standardization. Most participants described similar approaches to communication and collaboration between primary care clinicians and BHPs and believed that IBH should be standard practice. Participants reported space, staff, and billing support as critical for sustainability.

Delivery and training experiences in IBH varied widely despite recognition of the value and benefits to patients and care delivery processes. Standardizing resources and training and simplifying and assuring reimbursement for services may promote sustainable and high quality IBH implementation.