Abstract
Objective:
To describe the development and functioning of the HIV and hepatitis C mental health in primary care service (H2M), a multidisciplinary team that works with local general practitioners (GPs) and the St Vincent’s Hospital immunology clinic to meet the mental health needs of their patients living with HIV/AIDS and those undergoing interferon-based treatment for hepatitis C.
Method:
The authors describe and review the service, using information from a database of patient characteristics and from a GP satisfaction survey.
Results:
GP satisfaction with the service was high and participating GPs have increased their knowledge and understanding of their patients’ mental health problems.
Conclusions:
Over eight years, H2M has become a well utilized and valued specialty team with over 1,200 referrals in that time. Patients with other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiac and renal disease, could benefit from a similar service model.
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