Voluntary sector input benefits patients with psychosocial problems in primary care

The management of patients with psychosocial problems in primary care rarely involves the voluntary sector, despite its potentially useful role. In Avon the Amalthea Project was developed to facilitate contact between primary care and voluntary organisations for such patients. On p 419 Grant et al describe a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation comparing referral to this service with normal general practitioner care, in terms of patient outcomes and resource utilisation. Referral had beneficial effects on wellbeing but not on perceived social support for patients with a wide variety of psychosocial problems. Referral did not save time in dealing with these patients in primary care and was more costly than usual general practitioner care.

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Relevant Article

A randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of a referrals facilitator between primary care and the voluntary sector

Clare Grant, Trudy Goodenough, Ian Harvey, and Chris Hine
BMJ 2000 320: 419-423. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]