Collaboration in the provision of mental health care services: a cross-sectional survey of Lithuanian general practitioners

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the collaboration between GPs and mental health team members. Our study demonstrated a low level of contact. When collaboration did take place, it was to compensate for GPs' lack of expertise in the area. Background. General practitioners (GPs) often become the first point of care for mental health issues. Improved collaboration between GPs and mental health teams can make a GP's mental health services more efficient. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the collaboration between GPs and mental health team members and determine predictors for better collaboration. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, a 41-item questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 797 Lithuanian GPs. The purpose of this questionnaire was to obtain knowledge about current practices of GPs in providing mental health care for patients as well as GPs' collaboration with metal health teams. Results. The response rate was 52.2%. GPs collaborated closest with psychiatrists: 30.7% of them reported that they discuss the mental health care of their patients with psychiatrists. Predictors of greater collaboration with mental health teams were a lack of GPs' confidence in their communication skills and ability to diagnose the most frequent mental disorders, prompt referral to mental health team specialists, low estimation of the prevalence of non-managed mental disorders, and location of mental health team in another health facility. Conclusions. Our study demonstrated a low level of networking between GPs and mental health teams. When collaboration did take place it was to compensate for GPs' lack of expertise in the area. This study underscores the need to begin a wider assessment of the potential barriers and opportunities for a collaborative approach in mental health care between GPs and mental health teams in Lithuania.