A pilot program to offer mental health services offered by physicians in residence at the University of Colorado School of Medicine provides a model for confidential and affordable help, according to an article published today by the journal Academic Medicine.
For the 2017-2018 class, 80 resident physicians in the inpatient therapy and inpatient therapy programs were enrolled in a mental health program that provided scheduled appointments at the campus mental health center. Residents were allowed to opt out of the posts. The cost of the posts was covered by the residency programs, not provided to residents. Programs received unmarked invoices so that participating residents could receive confidential care.
“Developing mental health programs for residents can be challenging, as previous research has revealed that lack of time, concerns about confidentiality, concerns about stigma, and the cost are major barriers for residents who seeking mental health care, “the authors write.
Concerns about the mental health of health care workers, and residential physicians in particular, have risen in recent years as studies have identified the incidence of burns and depression. The authors explain that unanswered mental health concerns among residential physicians can directly affect patient care.
Of the 80 resident physicians automatically enrolled for mental health services in the pilot program, 23 attended the scheduled meetings, 12 did not attend, and 45 opted out. Forty-one of the 80 resident physicians responded to an anonymous survey study. Survey respondents included 16 who attended their mental health meetings. Survey respondents, even those who chose to opt, greatly appreciated the program.
Although the number of residents participating in the study is relatively small, the authors write that the “mental health program had a positive impact on the well-being of residents by showing that the residency program was ‘walking on foot’ and not just ‘speaking in the lecture’ in terms of wellbeing. “
Source:
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Magazine Reference:
Major, A., et al. (2021) Removing Barriers, a Secret Mental Health Pilot Program for Admission to Internal Therapy. Academic Medicine. doi.org/10.1097/ACM.00000000000000393965.