Implementing the Primary Care Behavioral Health model into routine practice in Swedish primary care: a pilot trial.
BMC Health Serv ResSep 3, 2026 (epub)
Lise Bergman Nordgren, Kristin Thomas, Erica Skagius Ruiz et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pragmatic multicenter stepped-wedge clinical trial evaluated the implementation of the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model in Swedish primary care, involving 6413 patients. Results indicated that mean waiting times for behavioral health consultant (BHC) appointments decreased by 30% to 39%, and psychotropic prescriptions decreased by 14% to 18% after implementation, with p-values <0.001.
Key findings
- Mean waiting times for a first BHC appointment decreased from 16 days to 10 days after implementation.
- The total number of appointments with a BHC increased from 1762 to 2359 during the implementation period.
- Individuals receiving care from a BHC increased from 702 to 995 after implementation.
- Total prescriptions of psychotropic drugs decreased from 8025 to 6570 after implementation.
Why it matters
The study highlights the potential of the PCBH model to enhance access to mental health care in primary settings while reducing reliance on psychotropic medications, addressing a critical public health need.