Evidence based and intensity specific services in the integrated care setting: Ethical considerations for a developing field.


The brief nature of service delivery in the integrated care (IC) setting raises concerns in regard to American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines based on traditional mental health service delivery. Interventions in the IC setting, at the moment, lack empirical support when compared to those used in traditional settings. Furthermore, the services available in an IC setting may not be adequate for patients with more severe presentations. This article discusses and provides recommendations for these ethical concerns in relation to the relevant APA guidelines. Furthermore, a focus on evidence-based principles, quality improvement, patient pathways, community-based approaches, and stepped care protocols are recommended to ensure that providers’ actions meet ethical standards and provide adequate patient care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)