Impact of graduate mental health workers upon primary care mental health: a qualitative study

The role of the primary care graduate mental health worker (GMHW) was developed to improve the availability of mental health services within primary care. However, little is known concerning the impact of the role upon primary care mental health. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with 27 key stakeholders (12 clients, 10 managers/ supervisors, 5 general practitioners) who had experience of the GMHW role and activities provided. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts highlighted four main themes: Access to primary care mental health, Inappropriate referrals, GMHW characteristics, and Role developments. All participant groups highlighted a range of ways in which the GMHW role was making significant contributions to primary care mental health. Many of these were associated with increasing access to mental health services afforded by the range of interventions provided. Benefits, however, may exclude working clients who expressed concerns about a lack of flexibility in the appointment times offered. Concerns arise as a consequence of inappropriate referrals made by some general practitioners. Such referrals were, in part, motivated by a belief that developments in primary care mental health should have been directed towards clients with more severe difficulties. In conclusion, this study suggests that the GMHW role is having a significant impact upon primary care mental health. Attempts to improve primary care mental health through the incorporation of the GMHW role within stepped care models of mental health service delivery should be encouraged.