Like most family doctors, Herman Keyter of Valemount saw many patients dealing with mild to moderate depression, but his ability to help these patients relied more on referrals and medication than he’d have liked. But now Dr Keyter is armed with new tools that help him to manage the care of patients with mental health conditions, allowing both him and his patients more control over their treatment.
Keyter now follows the protocols set out in the Practice Support Program (PSP) Adult Mental Health learning module.
A joint initiative of Doctors of BC and the BC Ministry of Health, the PSP provides training and support for physicians and their MOAs designed to improve clinical and practice management and to support enhanced delivery of patient care.
The PSP Adult Mental Health module helps family doctors like Keyter to screen their patients more thoroughly for mental illness and diagnose conditions that were previously more difficult to detect. The module tools and resources include common screening scales, a diagnostic assessment interview tool, a tool for organizing patient issues, a cognitive-behavioural skills program, and a patient self-management workbook.
“The module provides a structure to my work with patients who have mental health issues and adds an extra dimension to the treatment,” says Keyter. “With a process in place, including worksheets for me and the patient, there is much less frustration for both of us.”
Led by other family doctors, known as “physician practice leaders,” the Adult Mental Health module helps physicians develop a care plan that incorporates cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills in real office time.
Jeanette (who asked that her last name not be used) has been through several programs to deal with her depression but is very happy with her current treatment from Dr Keyter.
“It’s easier for me to do appointments with him,” she says. “It’s much more personal, and I prefer the one-on-one. He’s my doctor, and he knows a lot of my situation and how to work with me. And he is so compassionate. He could be a counselor. ”
Jeanette also likes getting new worksheets at each appointment that have something for her to work on or a list of resources. “Being able to write things down and go through it with Dr Keyter face-to-face is wonderful,” she adds.
For Keyter, the Adult Mental Health module has resulted in not only more patient satisfaction but also more professional satisfaction.
“As my patients become empowered, I feel much less frustration with my practice,” he says. “I’ve always tried to help patients with mental health problems, but now I feel I have the tools to deal with the whole patient in a more patient-centred way.”
The PSP began as an initiative of the General Practice Services Committee (GPSC) – a joint committee of Doctors of BC and the BC Ministry of Health (the ministry) – and now receives additional direction, support, and funding from the Shared Care Committee and the Specialist Services Committee (also partnerships between Doctors of BC and the ministry).