Screening and referral is not enough: Cardiovascular disease and mental health

It is well established that mental health care improves cardiac care treatment outcomes.

In a recent study published in BMC Health Services Research, Centre Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr Phillip Tully and colleagues highlight that despite screening and referral practices in place in hospital settings, there remains barriers to cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients accessing support for their mental health.

Screening and referral is not enough: a qualitative exploration of barriers to access and uptake of mental health services in patients with cardiovascular diseases

The study found that patients being treated for CVD prefer informal peer support networks over traditional mental health services. Enhancing peer support may be a valuable treatment approach for this population.

Contact: Phillip Tully