Why Mental Health Matters for Physical Health

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies for Long-Term Conditions

De||verab|es Cutputs 8enef|ts
Landscape map of
d|abetes serv|ces
1ra|n|ng for
nurses & pub||c
hea|th team
L|st of contacts
ka|sed
awareness
8ehav|our
change
Increased of
pat|ents
access|ng
Cutcomes
Improved hea|th
outcomes -
phys|ca| & menta|
hea|th
Improved
qua||ty of ||fe
Improved pat|ent
exper|ence
8etter ||nks
between hea|th team
Data co||ect|on
of pat|ents
w|th L1Cs
access|ng the
serv|ce
Mon|tor
change
g
psycho|og|ca|
treatment
between
phys|ca| &
menta| hea|th
serv|ces
Improved
awareness &
understand|ng
of M]n |n L1Cs
Iewer
unnecessary
appo|ntments
keduced cost
to NnS
Overview of the Project
More than 4 million people with a long-term physical condition (LTC),
such as diabetes, also suffer mental health problems. This impacts
on both patients health outcomes and quality of life. The project
involved working collaboratively with a range of health professionals
in primary care to improve the identification and management of
mental health problems in patients with diabetes and other LTCs.
The ultimate aim is to facilitate easy access to psychological
interventions for patients with LTCs, thereby promoting physical and
mental wellbeing and improving their quality of life and experience of
care.
Leadership Challenges
Challenging the status quo
Stepping outside the traditional career path
Balancing clinical practice and the project work while
demonstrating a commitment to both
Scoping the project with such a wide range of LTCs to choose from
Balancing demand and capacity and not overwhelming the service
with an excess of referrals
Gathering data across the whole care-pathway
Results
Patients with LTCs are now able to self-refer and access
psychological therapies
There is improved awareness of psychological wellbeing for
patients with LTCs
Psychological wellbeing has been included within diabetes
education and cardiac rehab programmes
Practice nurses and the public health team have been trained in
the identification of mental health problems in LTCs
Close working relationships with commissioners, GPs, nurses and
the public health team have been developed
Psychological therapists are now trained in delivering
psychological interventions for a range of LTCs
Personally, I am inspired and motivated with new ideas and a
passion for leadership and service improvement
Contact Information
Rebecca Minton
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
Clinical Leadership Fellow
Rebecca.Minton@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
BeckyMinton@hotmail.co.uk
07866584219
Engaging and maintaining relationships across a range of
professions
Recognising how and when to apply leadership theory to practice
Developing a deeper personal insight and facing my fears