Do effective psychosocial interventions fit in primary level services?

Background The law for immediate access to therapy for children and adolescents requires evidence-based short-term interventions. The feasibility of such interventions at primary care level is essential to successful implementation.

Methods We provided a detailed description of a variety of psychosocial interventions. The contents and training requirements of these interventions were described from literature and expert sources.

Results We described 18 interventions for different disorders. Factors likely limiting feasibility include the length of the intervention and the extensive psychiatric expertise required from both the initial assessor and the provider.

Conclusions Intervention descriptions support assessment of characteristics affecting feasibility and ensuring that effectiveness is maintained in primary care services. Some interventions have already been shown to be feasible in primary care. For other interventions, solutions to improve acceptability and feasibility may include adapting the intervention and evaluating its effectiveness in primary care level, or confirming the role in assessment of certain conditions for psychiatric professionals, while primary care could provide the interventions based on a careful medical examination.

Sara Tani, Mia Huolman, Terhi Punna, Katja Hautamäki, Outi Linnaranta