Background: Millions of people are affected by mental disorders. Higher rates of morbidity and premature mortality compared to the general population are associated with the mentally ill, and have become a national concern. Non-adherence with primary care is one of the most common reasons for preventable deaths in the mentally ill. Mortality and morbidity in the mentally ill can decrease with access to medical care and collaborative medical treatment (Marder et al., 2004). This growing problem of premature deaths calls for urgent public action to integrate mental health, and primary care to improve process of care and clinical outcome (Davis et al., 2013). Foreground: Non-adherence with primary care is a major concern at our Behavioral Health clinic, among the mentally ill population. This problem has impacted different areas of providing patient care and must be addressed. Our Behavioral Health clinic are non-compliant with patients having a current physical exam in their charts, and OMH guidelines. Providers are hesitant about delivering psychiatric treatment, without the knowledge of a patient’s medical status. Mentally ill patients are at risk for medical comorbidities and need to be aware of their medical status. Evidence-Based Practice Framework: The Rosswurm & Larrabee evidence-based practice (EBP) model was used to guide project. Change Theory: Lewin’s Change Theory was also implemented in EBP change project. Method: The objective of the EBP change project was to provide primary care access to mentally ill patients and promote adherence of primary care treatment. This process began by implementing a brief EBP medical questionnaire into the intake/screening form. Patients with no primary care provider were referred to the same-day clinic for physical exam and comorbidity treatment. Patients adhered to having their physical exam done as a part of their admission process. Patients’ physical exam reports were retrieved and put into their charts. The quality improvement coordinator verified physical exam in charts, through random chart review. Results and Conclusion: Implementing a brief EBP medical questionnaire into the intake/screening form, has facilitated a positive change in patients seeking primary care and having their physical exams done, before receiving psychiatric treatment.
