The Alberta Network for Community Health Outreach and Rural Mental Health (ANCHOR-MH): A pilot study of a collaborative educational initiative to improve psychiatric outcomes in primary care

Abstract Background Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health illness in any given year. While most individuals can be successfully treated within a primary care setting, a subset of individuals present with a severity and complexity requiring specialist care. Unfortunately, a shortage of psychiatrists (especially in rural regions) can result in wait times of months to years. Methods We designed the Alberta Network for Community Health Outreach and Rural Mental Health. ANCHOR-MH is a 12-week program that includes a unique educational intervention, collaborative case conferencing, and a community of practice between family medicine (FM) physicians and psychiatrists. We enrolled two pilot cohorts of n=20 FM physicians each and measured participants’ confidence and comfort in diagnosing, managing, and treating psychiatric conditions. We also conducted qualitative analyses of their experience. Results Data from participants that completed both the pre- and post-program survey (n=34) showed increased confidence in screening for, diagnosing, and managing psychiatric issues, as well as increased comfort discussing mental health concerns with patients and families and reduced stigma towards certain psychiatric conditions. Qualitative thematic analysis (n=39) reflected this increased confidence, revealed an increased sense of connectedness to the mental healthcare landscape, and highlighted specific examples of practice changes. Participants broadly agreed that the program improved their ability to provide mental healthcare and would improve psychiatric outcomes within their practice. Interpretation ANCHOR-MH improved FM physicians’ confidence and ability to deliver mental healthcare in their primary care settings. Increasing the reach of this program may improve mental healthcare in underserved communities.