Adapting the Shared Medical Appointment Model for the Management of Anxiety in Primary Care

Frame Kara A,Tinajero Ruben,Raber Hanna,Fortenberry Katherine T

doi:10.23937/2469-5793/1510142

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and negatively impact the health of millions of people worldwide. Primary care physicians are often the first providers who diagnose and treat anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, many patients lack access to mental healthcare services to address their difficulties with anxiety. Prior research indicates that the Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) model is highly effective in addressing chronic illnesses. This pilot study aimed to present one primary care clinic's development of a Primary Care SMA for Anxiety Program, as well as results for its implementation.

Highlights

Mental health disorders negatively impact our population, with an estimated 18.1 percent of adults in the United States having any mental illness, with anxiety and depression being the two most common disorders [1]
These results find that participants demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and this may be due to participation in the Primary Care Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) for Anxiety Program
The current study suggests that a SMA model may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms for participants

Summary

Introduction

Mental health disorders negatively impact our population, with an estimated 18.1 percent of adults in the United States having any mental illness, with anxiety and depression being the two most common disorders [1]. There is an estimated global prevalence of 7.3% [2] These numbers are not surprising to primary care physicians, who frequently diagnose and manage these conditions. Despite evidence that group behavioral treatment is highly effective for anxiety [4,5,6], and evidence demonstrating benefit of Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) in treating chronic medical conditions, improving access to care, and improving patient satisfaction with care [79], we could not find a documented example of a SMA model for the treatment of anxiety. Prior research indicates that the Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) model is highly effective in addressing chronic illnesses. This pilot study aimed to present one primary care clinic’s development of a Primary Care SMA for Anxiety Program, as well as results for its implementation

Methods

Results

Conclusion