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The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research

Published in:

01-10-2017

Open Trial of Integrated Primary Care Consultation for Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Authors: Sam Hubley, PhD, Lisa A. Uebelacker, PhD, Justin Nash, PhD, Charles B. Eaton, MD, MS

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Within primary care settings, patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are common, often present with comorbid psychopathology, and have high rates of healthcare utilization. Despite increased healthcare utilization, these patients often have poor outcomes that frustrate patients and providers alike. A behavioral consultation intervention for primary care patients with MUS (n = 10) was developed and assessed. All participants completed all intervention and assessment sessions and rated the intervention favorably. Participants self-report scores revealed statistically significant improvements from baseline to 3-month follow-up on physical functioning, mental functioning, and physical symptoms. Notwithstanding the limitations of open trial designs, these findings demonstrate high feasibility for a behavioral health consultation treatment model for patients with MUS and highlight the need for further research.

Recommendations to PCPs for managing MUS were adapted from previous studies (Smith, 1986, Dickinson, 2002) that demonstrated efficacy for an intervention consisting of sending PCPs a generic letter outlining recommendations for managing MUS patients (e.g., regular visits every 2–8 weeks, limited referrals to specialists, conducting physical exams at every visit, etc.)

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Title: Open Trial of Integrated Primary Care Consultation for Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Authors: Sam Hubley, PhD
Lisa A. Uebelacker, PhD
Justin Nash, PhD
Charles B. Eaton, MD, MS
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-016-9528-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Open Trial of Integrated Primary Care Consultation for Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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