Cooperation in Mental Health Care - Primary Physicians' and Specialists' Perspectives

Background: In the German mental health care system, cooperation between primary physicians and mental health specialists in in- and outpatient settings is challenging. Empirical studies about current cooperation processes are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the cooperation between primary care physicians, medical specialists, and psychological specialists in in- and outpatient mental health care. Method: Cooperation forms, problems with cooperation, cooperation need and satisfaction, as well as suggestions for improvement were assessed via online and postal questionnaire. Results: N = 504 respondents filled out the questionnaire, among them 108 primary physicians, 96 outpatient and 63 inpatient medical specialists, as well as 216 outpatient and 21 inpatient psychological specialists. Predominantly, cooperation takes place in single cases and is little structured. Even though participants were moderately satisfied with their existing cooperation, they indicate a need for improved cooperation. Major cooperation problems were limited outpatient psychotherapy treatment capacities, lack of time, problems contacting colleagues, and little established contacts. Implications: Health professionals see a barrier for mental health care in the lack of networking. There is a need for the establishment of proper fora to increase patient-oriented care for patients with psychological disorders. (c) 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel