Clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of individual mental health workers colocated within primary care practices: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Objectives Mental health disorders contribute significantly to the global burden of disease and lead to extensive strain on health systems. The integration of mental health workers into primarycare has been proposed as one possible solution, but evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness ofthis approach is unclear. We reviewed the clinical and cost effectiveness of mental health workers colocated within primary care practices. Design Systematic literature review. Data sources We searched the Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Healthcare Management Information Consortium (HMIC) and Global Health databases. Eligibility criteria All quantitative studies published before July 2019 were eligible for the review; participants of any age and gender were included. Studies did not need to report a certain outcome measure or comparator in order to be eligible. Data extraction and synthesis Data were extracted using a standardised table; however, pooled analysis proved unfeasible. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool and the Cochrane collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. Results Fifteen studies from four countries were included. Mental health worker integration wasassociated with mental health benefits to varied populations, including minority groups and those with comorbid chronic diseases. Furthermore, the interventions were correlated with high patient satisfaction and increases in specialist mental health referrals among minority populations. However, there was insufficient evidence to suggest clinical outcomes were significantly different from usual general practitioner care. Conclusions While there appear to be some benefits associated with mental health worker integration in primary care practices, we found insufficient evidence to concludethat an onsite primary care mental health worker is significantly more clinically or cost effectivewhen compared with usual general practitioner care. There should therefore be an increased emphasison generating new evidence from clinical trials to better understand the benefits and effectivenessof mental health workers colocated within primary care practices.