A Model for Primary Care Psychology With General Thoracic Surgical Patients

This study examined a model for brief psychological assessment for providing primary psychological care to patients within a surgical, specialty outpatient clinic to provide early and accurate detection of psychological distress in patients to increase compassionate care. Questionnaires were completed by 351 outpatients and 227 of these outpatients were provided a model of primary care (brief psychological intervention). Patients were assessed and provided coping strategies, patient education, and a brief evaluation of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Psychologists, in a brief interview (mean = 12 min) identified individuals experiencing significant psychological distress. The ratings of emotional status also predicted health quality of life and anxiety. Younger individuals presenting for medical care appear to be more vulnerable to psychological distress. Brief psychological interventions provide accurate, efficient assessment of psychological distress and can be an effective way of increasing compassionate care. The results support the use of primary care psychology and brief psychological interventions in the management of medical patient care.