EFFECTIVENESS OF INTEGRATED CARE MODELS IN MANAGING PATIENTS WITH COOCCURRING PSYCHIATRIC AND PHYSICAL ILLNESSES, FOCUSING ON OUTCOMES SUCH AS TREATMENT ADHERENCE
Submission: 02 November 2025 | Acceptance: 09 December 2025 | Publication: 21 December 2025
1Babar Ali, 2Umar Shah, 3Musa Ali, 4Qamar Maqsood, 5Zarrar Akbar Chaudhry, 6Mehran Raza Asif
1UHS, Lahore
2CMH Rwp
3CMH Rwp
4Gangaram Hospital Lahore
5Psychiatry, CMH Lahore Medical college n institute of dentistry
6PIMS, Islamabad
Abstract
Background: Comorbid psychiatric and physical disorders present a significant challenge in clinical practice, complicating diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. The interaction between mental and physical health necessitates an integrated approach to improve patient care and reduce healthcare burden. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of integrated care models in managing patients with cooccurring psychiatric and physical illnesses, focusing on outcomes such as treatment adherence, quality of life, and hospitalization rates.
Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted using quantitative data from electronic health records and qualitative interviews with healthcare providers. A sample of 300 patients with comorbid depression and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was observed over 12 months.
Results: Integrated care led to improved adherence to medication, reduced hospital admissions, and enhanced patient-reported quality of life scores. Multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous care coordination were key factors.
Conclusion: An integrated approach to managing comorbid psychiatric and physical disorders is effective and necessary. Policy and practice should emphasize collaborative care models to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the systemic healthcare burden.
Keywords: Effectiveness, Integrated Care Models, Psychiatric, Physical Illnesses.