Optimizing mental health in an academic nurse-managed clinic.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the initial results of tracking the health outcomes, specifically mental health outcomes, for clients at an academic nursing clinic and to describe an approach to mental health treatment in this setting.

DATA SOURCES

Descriptive-survey design with convenience sampling of patients from a nurse-managed clinic (N = 151). As part of the routine documentation for clinic clients, the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) was selected to monitor client health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This health status evaluation indicated that the mental health scores for clinic clients were lower than national normed data. This result could reflect unmet mental health needs in clinic clients. Mental health reasons for the visit were reported in only 3% of the sample. Most clients in this sample sought treatment in the clinic for physical health screening and episodic health problems.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Integration of mental health interventions in primary care settings may help providers to optimize the management of clients' overall health status.