Implementation of Integrated Behavioural Health in Outpatient Cardiology Care for Patients with Injection Drug...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Behavioral Health

Background:

• Injection drug use-associated infective endocarditis (IDU-IE) presents complex challenges requiring integrated care.
• Patients with IDU-IE often have co-occurring behavioral health conditions that impact treatment adherence and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implementing integrated behavioral health (IBH) care within an outpatient cardiology clinic setting.
• To evaluate the uptake and delivery of behavioral health services among patients diagnosed with IDU-IE.

Main Methods:

• A prospective evaluation was conducted from 2021-2024, including 141 patients with IDU-IE.
• Universal behavioral health screening was offered, followed by assessments and interventions for consenting patients.
• Data collected included screening rates, assessment completion, psychiatric consultations, and brief interventions.

Main Results:

• 55.3% of patients with IDU-IE underwent universal behavioral health screening.
• 29.5% of screened patients received a behavioral health assessment and consented to IBH care.
• All patients receiving IBH care (100%) received brief interventions, and 91.3% received psychiatric consultations.

Conclusions:

• Implementing integrated behavioral health care for patients with IDU-IE is feasible in outpatient cardiology clinics.
• The study demonstrates successful integration of screening, assessment, and intervention services.
• This model holds promise for improving comprehensive care for this vulnerable patient population.