Integration of Mental and Physical Health Services: Lessons

Abstract

Mental health and physical health have a bi-directional and complex relationship. One affects the other directly as well as indirectly. Historically in Western health care systems mind–body dualism has created an artificial dichotomy to the detriment of patient care. In this paper a case is made for integration of physical and mental health care, especially for patients with chronic serious mental illness. Using some models from various international studies, it is argued that integration across physical and mental health care, across primary care and secondary care and across social and health care is the best way forward for better outcomes. Selecting and training staff to work collaboratively can prove to be both effective and efficacious.