0
0
Integrated care—a coordinated approach addressing patients’ physical, mental, and social health needs—has proven effective in improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and mitigating health disparities.
Since 2019, the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care’s Center for Integrated Care has been a cornerstone for integrated care education and training at Rutgers Health while simultaneously offering clinical services with partners across New Jersey.
Now, researchers at the center have published one of the first studies evaluating perceptions and barriers to integrated care training and practice across multiple health professions. The study, featured in the Journal of Integrated Care, surveyed 220 Rutgers faculty, clinicians, and students from diverse disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, psychology, dental medicine, health professions, nursing, social work, and University Behavioral Health Care clinicians. The research examined their experiences in collaborative care education and identified obstacles to training.
Findings revealed that 97% of respondents frequently engaged in activities promoting integrated care, such as interdisciplinary consultations, integration of care concepts into teaching, and participation in interprofessional learning opportunities. Participants acknowledged the benefits in patient care and expressed strong interest in continuing to practice integrated care.
“Rutgers is a pioneer in integrated care education,” stated Stephanie Marcello, chief psychologist at University Behavioral Health Care and co-author of the study. “Although interprofessional education and experiential training in integrated care remain limited, more universities are adopting this model. However, challenges persist, such as a shortage of mentors and faculty trained in integrated care, as well as a need for curriculum development and healthcare providers practicing within this model to offer experiential education and employment opportunities.”
The study highlighted that students highly value learning about various healthcare disciplines’ approaches to patient care, recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in their education.
Marcello emphasized that holistic care practices function as essential preventive measures. “When healthcare professionals—including pharmacists, behavioral healthcare providers, nurses, and social workers—collaborate, they enhance patient satisfaction, lower healthcare costs, and reduce employee absenteeism and turnover.”
Furthermore, access to both mental and physical healthcare in a single location significantly increases the likelihood of patients utilizing behavioral health services.
“Patients are screened for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders alongside routine measurements like blood pressure and weight,” Marcello explained. “General practitioners can consult on-site behavioral health specialists, allowing immediate interventions that consider both physical and mental health.”
Researchers underscored the importance of involving more healthcare providers and primary care facilities to support students in future integrated care practices.
“We aim to embed integrated care training within health profession curricula as an academic standard,” Marcello added. “Ensuring that future professionals acquire team-based, collaborative skills will help deliver comprehensive treatment addressing both physical and behavioral health needs.”
Disclaimer: The findings presented in this article are based on research conducted at Rutgers University and published in the Journal of Integrated Care. The study reflects the perspectives of its participants and does not necessarily represent the views of all healthcare institutions. Further research and policy development are needed to expand integrated care education and training nationally.
