Integrated Care for Complex Patients

This book presents case-based descriptions of models for the inclusive, multispecialty and multidisciplinary clinical care of complex cases. Cases range from primary care patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidity, to those requiring specialty care, to those with potentially terminal illnesses. While each category and case has its unique requirements often necessitating different models of care, the commonalities in approaching complex clinical situations is underscored. Extended case narratives written by the treating physicians, summarizing both the course of clinical care and the physicians/' reflections on the challenges of managing complex patients, comprise the bulk of the book. Additional chapters on systems issues pertinent to the care of complex patients and a narrative analysis of the physicians' reflections on complex patients are also included. Written by experts in the field, these descriptions form unique models for assessing and treating complex cases. Integrated Care for Complex Patients is a useful guide for primary care practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physicians and mental health professionals who work with complex cases.