Marissa Patrick, NP, and Abigail Tobias of WCMHS | Discuss a participants progress in the program
The statistics on life expectancy for adults living with serious mental illness are grim. Research demonstrates that, on average, these adults die 25 years earlier than other Americans, largely due to treatable health conditions. Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) Executive Director Mary Moulton wants to change that.
Her team, led by WCMHS case managers and Behavioral Health Integration Program Manager Abigail Tobias, has worked to create a wrap-around model for clients enrolled in mental health services who have challenging health issues and lack a primary care provider. In this vision, case managers accompany clients to medical appointments and their records are available to providers from both systems. They call the model “Integrated Health Home.”
“Physical health is not just about treating illness, but treating all facets of a person’s life,” said Tobias. “And we know that people get better care when their providers talk to each other.”
They approached UVM Health Network – CVMC Granite City Primary Care Office Manager Gail Wheatley, RN, and nurse practitioner Marissa Patrick to become their medical counterparts.
In February 2016, the pilot program kicked off with 15 participants. So far, results appear promising. Preliminary numbers indicate that Emergency Department and ExpressCare visits have been reduced and feedback from WCMHS clients has been overwhelmingly positive.
“In the satisfaction surveys, what struck us was that people felt they were heard and understood by Marissa,” said Tobias. “She really challenged them to make positive changes in their lives.”
And while the pilot project is still running, there are hopes the model could be replicated in one of the other five practices where WCMHS therapists are located.
“Both the WCMHS and Granite City teams have worked diligently to develop this model with the goal of improving the overall health of some people with very unique needs. The service delivery is patient, caring and respectful,” said Moulton. “Having a partner like CVMC is helping us to achieve some long-desired goals toward a more holistic system of care with the hope of bending the curve on life expectancy for people with serious mental health challenges, one person at a time.”