Mental Health program integration into Primary Health Care: Results of a Project Implemented at Yarmouk Health Care Center & Capital Health Primary Care Center, Kuwait

Objective: World Health Organization (WHO) identified a gap in meeting mental health care needs in the health services. To bridge this gap, at Yarmouk Primary Health Care Center and Capital Health District area in Kuwait, it was decided to implement a best practice model, for integrating mental health services into primary health care services in Kuwait. Methodology: Implementation of the best practice model, for integrating mental health services into primary care services in Kuwait’s health system was initiated in 2008. It involved the integration of cost–effective, feasible evidence-based interventions for mental health conditions in Primary Health Care (PHC) and other priority health programs. It envisioned a mental health component in PHC, to enhance access to mental health care and improve identification and treatment rates for priority mental disorders, to provide holistic care for particularly disabling comorbid physical and mental health problems, and to engage in mental health promotion. Results: The program was initiated in 12 primary mental health care clinics in the Capital Health District area in Kuwait. Two hundred (200) Family Physicians and General Practitioners, were trained in psychiatric integration within the primary health care system. Regular evaluation of the performance of physicians working in primary mental health clinics in the program was ensured. Periodic evaluation of psychiatric patient visits in the Primary mental health clinics was conducted for quality improvement. Mental health awareness days and educational sessions were organized. Discussion: A practice model for integrating mental health services into primary care was developed in Kuwait, involving stakeholders. Its favorable impact on mental health in the community is undergoing scrutiny. Limitations such as human resource shortage and, movement of trained physicians from primary care to other administrative departments in the Ministry of Health (MOH), coupled with a lack of relevant data and the need for better coordination between stakeholders, were identified. Issues regarding electronic health records, patient confidentiality, and quality of services were identified. Stigma related to mental health issues resulted in a delay in implementing the integration. Conclusion: With increasing psychiatric illnesses and a lack of adequate specialized mental health services, addressing this issue at the primary care level offers an attractive cost-effective option to deal with the crisis. Keywords: Mental Health, Primary Health Care, Integration, Health system, Family Physician