Effectiveness and Challenges of Integrated Care Models in Managing Mental Health in Chronic Illness and Disability: A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic illnesses and disabilities often lead to psychological comorbidities like depression and anxiety, worsening physical symptoms and quality of life. The integrated care model offers a collaborative approach to bridge gaps between primary and mental healthcare, providing holistic solutions. This review examines the relationship between chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental health, and evaluates the impact of integrated care models.

Methods: A systematic search of databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar was conducted using keywords like "mental health," "chronic illnesses," and "integrated care." Fourteen peer-reviewed articles were selected based on relevance, recency, and methodological rigour.

Results: Studies highlight a strong link between chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental health disorders, exacerbated by factors like financial stress, mobility issues, and pain. Integrated care models, which coordinate primary and mental health services, improve outcomes such as treatment adherence, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Despite its advantages, many barriers exist to properly implementing integrated care models.

Discussion: Integrated care addresses the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, offering comprehensive treatment for patients with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Despite its benefits, challenges such as funding issues, technological limitations, and insufficient interdisciplinary training hinder implementation. Addressing these barriers is crucial for broader adoption.

Conclusion: Integrated care models improve patient outcomes through holistic care but face systemic and provider-level barriers. Future research should explore long-term impacts, cost-effectiveness, and culturally adaptable frameworks to maximize the potential of these models and enhance healthcare delivery.