Special Psychiatry Initiative Provides Stigma-Free, Caring Treatment
The Medicine in Psychiatry Services (MIPS) program at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) is making significant strides in providing effective care for patients with severe mental illness. While specific program details may be limited, the MIPS approach stands out as a model for improving the comfort, safety, and treatment of this demographic in healthcare settings.
At the heart of MIPS is a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, internists, nurses, and allied health professionals, working together to provide integrated medical and psychiatric care. This integrated approach ensures that patients' complex psychiatric and medical needs are addressed concurrently, improving clinical outcomes and patient safety.
MIPS places a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, tailoring treatments to individual needs and ensuring a safe and dignified environment for patients. For instance, at the MIPS Primary Care (MIPS-PC) office, concerns about blood draws, removing clothing, or being touched during medical exams are addressed in a way that is tailored for each patient, helping to build trust and provide meaningful human contact.
The MIPS approach also prioritizes compassion, collaboration, and creativity. This is evident in the program's dedication to understanding and respecting diverse patient backgrounds, a commitment that likely stems from URMC's emphasis on trainee-centered programming and cultural competence.
In 2021, MIPS expanded its services to include a 10-bed unit on G-9200 (SUMMITS) for patients with acute medical needs and substance use disorders. This specialized care can decrease length of stay and readmissions, helping patients remain in the community.
The MIPS division was founded in 1995 by Telva Olivares, MD, and Roger Boulay, MD, who saw the need for comprehensive care for patients with severe mental illness. Since then, the division has grown significantly and continues to expand, with Marsha Wittink, MD, chief of academic affairs in the division, working to help this patient population access quality medical care.
In 2007, MIPS added an inpatient unit at Strong Memorial on 1-9200 (IMIP) with 10 medical beds, which grew to 20 beds in 2010. The MIPS division started as a hub for outpatient psychiatric care, day treatment programs, and eventually a pharmacy.
The MIPS division's commitment to its patients is further demonstrated by the implementation of the Patient Priorities Tool, which was supported by a Quality Institute grant. When piloted with patients, the tool showed that most ranked "Managing my emotions" and "Understanding my health" as their top priorities.
In conclusion, the MIPS program at URMC is making a significant impact in the lives of patients with severe mental illness. By integrating psychiatric and medical care, fostering a patient-centered, safe care environment, and prioritizing compassion, collaboration, and creativity, MIPS is improving outcomes for this often underserved population.
The MIPS program, through its integrated approach of medical and psychiatric care, is significantly improving patient outcomes by addressing the complex needs of patients with severe mental illness concurrently. Moreover, MIPS prioritizes patient-centered care, implementing tools like the Patient Priorities Tool, to ensure treatments are tailored to individual needs and priorities, such as managing emotions and understanding health.
