Integrated Primary Care Mental Health Service: A Qualitative Exploration of an Integrated Approach to Supporting People with Significant Mental Health Problems in Primary Care

Individuals with significant mental health problems (SMHP) have historically faced challenges accessing mental health care due to gaps between primary and secondary care services. The National Health Service (NHS) Long Term Plan aims to bridge this gap through the introduction of integrated primary care services that provide holistic, person-centred, multidisciplinary support for people with SMHP. This evaluation aimed to explore the experience of service users, carers and staff working within this new model of care. A qualitative approach was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with N = 123 participants (n = 106 staff, n = 15 service users, n = 2 carers). Thematic analysis identified three themes: 'opening doors and improving experiences', 'tailored and timely care' and 'connected communities'. Findings showed that the Integrated Primary Care Mental Health Service enabled earlier and easier access to mental health support for people with SMHP and supported community engagement and cross-collaboration between the NHS and partner agencies. The findings underscore the value of the Integrated Service in providing accessible, comprehensive, and person-centred mental health support at a primary care level, highlighting the benefits of cross-partnership working.