Evaluation of an integrated metabolic health clinic embedded in a community mental health service
Other resource • Dan SiskindAbstract
Title: Evaluation of an integrated metabolic health clinic embedded in a community mental health service
Author(s): Dan Siskind, Moe Thuzar, Wesley Yen, Anthony Russell, Balaji Motamarri
Background: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among people with schizophrenia. It is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, with challenges in integrating specialist metabolic and psychiatric services. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of an integrated metabolic clinic embedded within a community mental health service on metabolic health outcomes for people with schizophrenia.
Methods: Metabolic data were collected retrospectively through electronic records from 48 consecutive consumers with schizophrenia reviewed in the integrated metabolic clinic over a 12 month period. Data from baseline, first follow up and last follow up within 12 months from the initial visit were analysed. Attendance rates at the integrated clinic and those at the general endocrine clinics by a similar mental health patient population were also compared.
Results: The attendance rate was significantly better in the integrated clinic compared to the that in general endocrine clinics for both initial consult (80.0% vs 51.2%, p<0.001) and review appointment (64.3% vs 47.6%, p<0.001).
Conclusions: The integration of a specialist metabolic clinic within a mental health service resulted in better patient engagement for people with schizophrenia.