Evaluation
The Collaborative Mental Health Care Network has recently completed an evaluation of Years One to Three. The research indicates that the combination of just-in-time input from mentors and formal CME activities have really made a difference. Participants reported increased knowledge and skills and greater confidence in their ability to care for patients with complex mental illnesses; however, the most significant outcomes on all variables was seen in those who used all aspects of the program including reliance on their mentors.
According to the results of our pre and post implementation surveys and focus groups, participants who more heavily utilize their mentors (i.e. high utilizers) have increased confidence in mental health management. High utilizers have decreased their use of specialists face to face and are relying more heavily on requests for help using telephone and email, an efficient and cost effective trend.
Small group meetings have been implemented on a regular basis to ensure ongoing mentor/mentee contact and to increase rapport between family physicians and psychiatrists/GP Psychotherapists. Participants report that access to mentors and the increased knowledge and skills acquired through CME activities have decreased the time interval to optimal treatment and amelioration of symptoms for patients. To view the report(s) submitted to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, click here.