Comorbidity and Coordination: The Importance of Addressing Mental Health in the Healthcare System
The ongoing pandemic has brought the importance of mental health care and services to the forefront. As a result, there has been a heightened focus on addressing the significant number of individuals who suffer from mental health disorders in addition to other chronic medical conditions. Studies have shown that 36.6% of people with mental health disorders also have conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Moreover, the prevalence of depression alongside chronic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, is particularly high, with over 50% of patients affected.
The impact of mental health on the healthcare system is substantial. Patients grappling with both medical and mental health issues concurrently face challenges in managing their care, resulting in increased costs and strain on resources. For example, patients with major depression incur 50-100% greater medical costs compared to those without depression. This places a significant burden on healthcare providers and contributes to higher readmission rates among this population.
Clinicians, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), often express feeling overwhelmed and overburdened by the complex needs of patients with mental health and medical comorbidities. To address this growing challenge, PCPs are utilizing various tools to provide support and streamline care delivery. However, there is a recognized need for further support and resources to assist healthcare providers in managing the multifaceted needs of their patients effectively.
At Wolters Kluwer, we are committed to supporting clinicians in addressing the evolving landscape of mental health care. By developing innovative solutions and providing comprehensive resources, we aim to empower healthcare providers in delivering high-quality care to patients with mental health and medical conditions. We recognize that managing these complex needs requires collaboration between healthcare professionals across various specialties and disciplines. Therefore, our solutions are designed to facilitate communication and coordination among these stakeholders while ensuring patient-centered care remains at the forefront of our efforts.
In conclusion, addressing the growing challenge posed by mental health comorbidities requires a collaborative effort from all healthcare professionals involved in patient care delivery. At Wolters Kluwer, we are dedicated to supporting clinicians in delivering high-quality care while promoting effective communication and coordination among stakeholders across various disciplines and specialties.
