IBD Treatment: Behavioral Health & Innovation
- Integrated care addresses the complex needs of IBD patients, improving both their physical and mental well-being and quality of life.
- Pittsburgh — The University of Pittsburgh Medical center (UPMC) is using its Specialty Medical Home (SMH) model to transform care for patients managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) alongside...
- the UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care spearheaded the initiative, backed by a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) grant.
UPMC’s Specialty Medical Home (SMH) model revolutionizes IBD treatment by integrating behavioral health care. This innovative, team-based approach, backed by a PCORI grant, reduces stigma and enhances patient engagement. By addressing the brain-gut health interplay, the model improves care continuity and overall quality of life. News Directory 3 reports on how this integrated system empowers individuals to actively manage their conditions. Discover what’s next for IBD treatment.
UPMC Model Improves IBD, Behavioral Health Care and Outcomes
Updated Feb. 1, 2019
Pittsburgh — The University of Pittsburgh Medical center (UPMC) is using its Specialty Medical Home (SMH) model to transform care for patients managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) alongside behavioral health conditions. The approach delivers integrated, patient-centered support through a team-based system.
the UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care spearheaded the initiative, backed by a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) grant. The integrated model coordinates medical, nutritional, and behavioral health services to address the multifaceted challenges of IBD.
Dr. Eva svigethy, a gastropsychiatrist and clinical lead within the UPMC IBD Medical Home, emphasized the importance of integrating behavioral health care. Svigethy said this approach reduces stigma, encourages patient involvement, and empowers individuals to actively manage their chronic illness.
Dr. Benjamin Cohen, co-section head and clinical director for IBD at the cleveland Clinic, participated as a co-investigator in the PCORI-funded study. Cohen noted the increasing complexity of IBD treatments and limited access to gastroenterology visits as key reasons for adopting the multidisciplinary SMH model. He added that the model enhances care continuity, promotes shared decision-making, and improves quality of life by addressing the connection between brain and gut health.
“Integrating behavioral health care reduces stigma, promotes patient engagement, and empowers individuals to become active participants in managing their chronic illness,” Eva Svigethy, MD, PhD, UPMC IBD Medical Home said.
What’s next
UPMC will continue to evaluate and refine the SMH model to further improve outcomes for patients with IBD and behavioral health conditions.