Integrated Behavioral Healthcare in Thailand:A Case Study from Chiang Mai

Purpose:This study aims to examine the level of behavioral health integration in primary care clinics among patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes in Chiang Mai,Thailand.It also aims to explore the provider perceived prevalence of behavioral problems and need for an expert behavioral health consultant on the primary care team and the risk and protective factors of the patients’psychological and cardio-metabolic health outcomes.Methodology:Using survey data between 2017 and 2018 regarding the level of integration as measured by a Practice Integration Profile,provider ratings of prevalence and need based on a Provider Survey,and patient lifestyle and behavioral problems with a Health Risk Assessment in six primary health care settings in Chiang Mai,Thailand(n=335).We conducted ordinary least squares regressions to explore the relationship between each of the patient psychological and cardio-metabolic health outcomes and physical,mental health and substance abuse variables while controlling for the demographics.Results:The results showed overall high levels of integration,but significant variability across clinics.Providers rated prevalence of health risk and need for a Behavioral Health Consultant as moderate.Results of the patient health risk assessment were variable,with some problems high severity,others low.Conclusion:The results reflect a need for integrated behavioral health into the health care system in Thailand especially for those who are in the chronic illness condition.Recommendations for future study include an evaluation of the translation quality and validity and reliability of the study measures under the Thai context.This study fills the research gap of lacking research on the level of integrated care in clinics in Thailand.

The Accountable Care Organization results:Population health management and quality improvement programs associated with increased quality of care and decreased utilization and cost of care

Objective:The Accountable Care Organization(ACO)model of health care delivery is based on new payment models for general practice to reward improved quality and decreased cost of care.Methods:Banner Health Network(BHN)is one of the original CMS Pioneer ACO programs and implemented a comprehensive disease management program based on the collaborative care model.Key performance indicators for CMS reflected quality and cost of care.Results:BHN has demonstrated both improved quality and cost savings in the first two years of the pilot program.The disease management program based on the collaborative care model appears to have improved patient health outcomes based on quality improvement measures.In addition the program has reduced emergency department and hospital utilization,resulting in cost savings.Conclusions:The BHN quality improvement program is the platform for analyzing and improving on the BHN ACO model.This model appears to have excellent application to the China health care system that is also focused on prevention and improvement of chronic disease and cost-effectiveness.