Introducing New Paths towards Public Primary Healthcare Services in Greece: Efforts for Scaling-Up Mental Healthcare Services Addressed to Older Adults

Abstract

The exponential growth in the aging population challenges the Primary Care Providers (PCPs) who provide health care services to older adults who are considered highly vulnerable and are in need of specialized healthcare services. The development of new policies and the adoption of appropriate health strategies by PCPs may improve the early detection and prevention of mental disorders in older adults. This reduces both queuing and costs in outpatient clinics while preventing stigma for patients and families. To this end, specialized training for PCPs at the Local Primary Health Care Unit (LPHCU) was provided in order to conduct efficient assessments of older adults (65 and above years old, without previously diagnosed depression or dementia, and willing to participate). The assessment is based on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Older adults identified with MMSE <20 and GDS >5 were referred to the psychiatric outpatient clinic. The aim of this study is to discuss evidence-informed policymaking in Greece with a focus on advancing mental health practices and scaling up quality primary healthcare services for older adults.

Improving Mental Health Outcomes in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder in the Gulf States: A Review of the Role of Electronic Enablers in Monitoring Residual Symptoms

“… 40–42 Importantly, improved diagnosis of depression at the primary care level permits more holistic intervention, which may ultimately have a beneficial effect on long-term healthcare costs; 43 , 44 such holistic treatment can also help to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and, within an integrated care model, can facilitate patient access to specialty mental healthcare services. 45 , 46 …”