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Fleury MJ, Cao Z, Grenier G. Emergency Department Use among Patients with Mental Health Problems: Profiles, Correlates, and Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:864. [PMID: 39063441 PMCID: PMC11276606 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Patients with mental health (MH) problems are known to use emergency departments (EDs) frequently. This study identified profiles of ED users and associated these profiles with patient characteristics and outpatient service use, and with subsequent adverse outcomes. A 5-year cohort of 11,682 ED users was investigated (2012-2017), using Quebec (Canada) administrative databases. ED user profiles were identified through latent class analysis, and multinomial logistic regression used to associate patients' characteristics and their outpatient service use. Cox regressions were conducted to assess adverse outcomes 12 months after the last ED use. Four ED user profiles were identified: "Patients mostly using EDs for accessing MH services" (Profile 1, incident MDs); "Repeat ED users" (Profile 2); "High ED users" (Profile 3); "Very high and recurrent high ED users" (Profile 4). Profile 4 and 3 patients exhibited the highest ED use along with severe conditions yet received the most outpatient care. The risk of hospitalization and death was higher in these profiles. Their frequent ED use and adverse outcomes might stem from unmet needs and suboptimal care. Assertive community treatments and intensive case management could be recommended for Profiles 4 and 3, and more extensive team-based GP care for Profiles 2 and 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Josée Fleury
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033, Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; (Z.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Zhirong Cao
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; (Z.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Guy Grenier
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; (Z.C.); (G.G.)
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Tzartzas K, Oberhauser PN, Marion-Veyron R, Saillant S. Psychiatric consultation in general practitioners' daily practice: a qualitative study on the experience of consultation-liaison psychiatry interventions in primary care settings in French-speaking Switzerland. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:316. [PMID: 36476468 PMCID: PMC9730556 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders are frequent in primary care settings, which is challenging for primary care physicians. In Neuchâtel (Switzerland), a Consultation-Liaison psychiatrist integrated three primary care group practices, proposing both clinical interventions and supervisions/psychiatric training. Primary care physicians' experience regarding this collaboration was investigated. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted. Three focus groups were organized in each primary care group practice involved in the project (10 primary care physicians participated in focus groups). Data were analysed with thematic content analysis. RESULTS Six major themes emerged from our analysis, describing primary care physicians' collaboration with psychiatrists: 1) Impact on a difficult to reach and "reluctant to consult" population; 2) Fluidity of the intraprofessional collaboration; 3) Influence on the doctor-patient relationship; 4) Positive emotional experiences; 5) Psychiatric counselling and training; 6) Long-term prospects for the project. CONCLUSIONS Consultation-Liaison psychiatrist's presence came as a relief for participating primary care physicians, facilitating accessibility to mental healthcare, introducing a common culture of care, and offering "in-situ" psychiatric training. Primary care physicians felt that their relationships with patients benefited from such interventions, being better able to deal with complex emotional experiences and found patients more confident regarding proposed care. Models of psychiatric intervention provided in primary care must establish settings of collaboration that reinforce relationships between primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tzartzas
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Nicolas Oberhauser
- grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Régis Marion-Veyron
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Saillant
- Neuchâtel Psychiatry Centre, Rue de la Maladière 45, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Safi M, Clay-Williams R, Thude BR, Vaisman J, Brandt F. Today's referral is tomorrow's repeat patient: referrals to and between medical outpatient clinics in a hospital. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:254. [PMID: 35209886 PMCID: PMC8876391 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unnecessary referrals in Danish hospitals may be contributing to inefficient use of health services already stretched and under pressure and may lead to delayed treatment for patients. Despite a growing awareness in the literature and in practice of issues related to referrals, there has been relatively little research on referrals between specialists in hospital outpatient clinics and how it can be improved. This study aimed to describe the referral patterns to and within the Medical Department at the University Hospital of Southern Denmark. The Medical Department consists of the following medical specialist outpatient clinics; nephrology, pulmonology, endocrinology, cardiovascular, wound outpatient clinic, and a day hospital. Methods Two specialist physicians assessed all referrals to the medical specialist outpatient clinics over one month (from 01 September 2019 to 30 September 2019) using data drawn from the Danish electronic patient record system (Cosmic). Data on referral pattern, and patient age and sex, were statistically analysed to identify and characterise patterns of referral. Results Four hundred seventy-one (100%) referrals were included in the study. 49.5% (233) of the referrals were from the hospital and 50.5% (238) from general practitioners (GPs). Of the 233 referrals from the hospitals, 31% (72) were from the Medical Department. Conclusion The high rate of referrals (31%) from own Medical Department or outpatient clinics may reflect an inefficient internal referral process within the department. Improved collaboration between specialists could have the potential to improve health outcomes, timely access to care and more appropriate healthcare resource utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Safi
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department for Regional Health Research, Aabenraa, Denmark. .,University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Robyn Clay-Williams
- Australian Institute of Healthcare Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bettina Ravnborg Thude
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department for Regional Health Research, Aabenraa, Denmark.,University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julija Vaisman
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department for Regional Health Research, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Frans Brandt
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department for Regional Health Research, Aabenraa, Denmark.,University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Older Chinese Immigrants in New York City. Community Ment Health J 2020; 56:1331-1343. [PMID: 32026216 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Older immigrants are at risk of developing mental illness. This study aims to examine mental health service utilization among older Chinese immigrants, using a mixed-method design. Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use informed an examination of predictors of mental health services utilization, and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to illuminate these findings. Participants who were younger, had less than a high school education, and had a higher level of depressive symptoms were more likely to use mental health services. Stressors of psychological distress included breakdown of support system, language barriers, and financial hardships. Factors influencing mental health services use included information from family/friends, referrals from primary care physicians, perceived needs for help, mental health stigma, and culturally competent mental health professionals. Understanding the factors associated with seeking mental health services for older Chinese immigrants could help health care providers to develop early screening programs and culturally sensitive interventions.
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Gabet M, Grenier G, Cao Z, Fleury MJ. Implementation of three innovative interventions in a psychiatric emergency department aimed at improving service use: a mixed-method study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:854. [PMID: 32917199 PMCID: PMC7488576 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency department (ED) use is often viewed as an indicator of health system quality. ED use for mental health (MH) reasons is increasing and costly for health systems, patients, and their families. Patients with mental disorders (MD) including substance use disorders (SUD) and suicidal behaviors are high ED users. Improving ED services for these patients and their families, and developing alternatives to ED use are thus key issues. This study aimed to: (1) describe the implementation of three innovative interventions provided by a brief intervention team, crisis center team, and family-peer support team in a Quebec psychiatric ED, including the identification of implementation barriers, and (2) evaluate the impacts of these ED innovations on MH service use and response to needs. Method Using mixed methods with data triangulation, the implementation and impact of the three above-named ED interventions were studied. Quantitative data were collected from 101 participants (81 patients, 20 family members) using a user questionnaire and patient medical records. Qualitative data were gathered from focus groups (n = 3) with key intervention staff members (n = 14). The user questionnaire also included open-ended questions. Descriptive, comparative and content analyses were produced. Results Key implementation issues were identified in relation to system, organizational and patient profiles, similar to results identified in most studies in the ED implementation literature aimed at improving responsiveness to patients with MD. Results were encouraging, as the innovations had a significant impact for improved patient MH service use and adequacy of care. Services also seemed adapted to patient profiles. Family members were grateful for the help received in the ED. Conclusions Before implementing innovations, managers need to recognize the basic issues common to all new healthcare interventions: the need for staff training and strong involvement, particularly among physicians, development of collaborative tools especially in cases of potential cultural clash between staff and organizations, and continuous quality assessment. Future research needs to confirm the pertinence of these interventions, especially use of family-peer support teams in ED, as a highly innovative intervention. Broader ED strategies could also be deployed to improve MH services and decrease ED use for MH reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Gabet
- Management, Evaluation and Health Policies Department, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 av. du Parc, Montreal, QC, H3X1X9, Canada.,Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Guy Grenier
- Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Zhirong Cao
- Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Fleury
- Management, Evaluation and Health Policies Department, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 av. du Parc, Montreal, QC, H3X1X9, Canada. .,Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033, Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada.
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Fleury MJ, Grenier G, Bamvita JM, Ferland F. Typology of patients who use emergency departments for mental and substance use disorders. BJPsych Open 2020; 6:e59. [PMID: 32489163 PMCID: PMC7345525 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2020.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying profiles of people with mental and substance use disorders who use emergency departments may help guide the development of interventions more appropriate to their particular characteristics and needs. AIMS To develop a typology for the frequency of visits to the emergency department for mental health reasons based on the Andersen model. METHOD Questionnaires were completed by patients who attended an emergency department (n = 320), recruited in Quebec (Canada), and administrative data were obtained related to sociodemographic/socioeconomic characteristics, mental health diagnoses including alcohol and drug use, and emergency department and mental health service utilization. A cluster analysis was performed, identifying needs, predisposing and enabling factors that differentiated subclasses of participants according to frequency of emergency department visits for mental health reasons. RESULTS Four classes were identified. Class 1 comprised individuals with moderate emergency department use and low use of other health services; mostly young, economically disadvantaged males with substance use disorders. Class 2 comprised individuals with high emergency department and specialized health service use, with multiple mental and substance use disorders. Class 3 comprised middle-aged, economically advantaged females with common mental disorders, who made moderate use of emergency departments but consulted general practitioners. Class 4 comprised older individuals with multiple chronic physical illnesses co-occurring with mental disorders, who made moderate use of the emergency department, but mainly consulted general practitioners. CONCLUSIONS The study found heterogeneity in emergency department use for mental health reasons, as each of the four classes represented distinct needs, predisposing and enabling factors. As such, interventions should be tailored to different classes of patients who use emergency departments, based on their characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Josée Fleury
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University; and Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guy Grenier
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Marie Bamvita
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francine Ferland
- School of Social Work, Laval University; and Addiction Rehabilitation Centre, University Integrated Health and Social Services Centre - Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada
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Fleury MJ, Grenier G, Farand L, Ferland F. Use of Emergency Rooms for Mental Health Reasons in Quebec: Barriers and Facilitators. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2020; 46:18-33. [PMID: 30074113 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-018-0889-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study explored barriers and facilitators in mental health (MH) patient management in four Quebec (Canada) emergency rooms (ERs) that used different operational models. Forty-nine stakeholders (managers, physicians, ER and addiction liaison team members) completed semi-structured interviews. Barriers and facilitators affecting patient management emanated from health systems, patients, organizations, and from professionals themselves. Effective management of MH patients requires ER access to a rich network of outpatient, community-based MH services; integration of general and psychiatric ERs; on-site addiction liaison teams; round-the-clock ER staffing, including psychiatrists; ER staff training in MH; and adaptation to frequent and challenging ER users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Josée Fleury
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada. .,Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
| | - Guy Grenier
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Lambert Farand
- Department of Health Administration, Policy and Evaluation School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francine Ferland
- School of Social Work, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Dorr F, Maun A, Farin-Glattacker E, Fichtner U, Bengel J. Kooperation in der Versorgung psychischer Störungen aus hausärztlicher, fachärztlicher und fachpsychotherapeutischer Perspektive. VERHALTENSTHERAPIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1159/000500962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Seierstad TG, Brekke M, Toftemo I, Haavet OR. GPs' and child and adolescent psychiatry specialists' experiences of joint consultations in the GP's office: a qualitative study. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:458. [PMID: 28882194 PMCID: PMC5590163 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study is an exploration of a joint consultation model, a collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and specialists from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Lillehammer, Norway. Methods A qualitative study based on two focus group interviews, one with participating GPs and one with participating specialists from the local CAMHS. Participants were five GPs, with work experience varying from 6 months to 20 years (four of them specialists in general medicine) and two CAMHS specialists—a psychiatrist and a psychologist—both with more than 20 years of experience. Results The focus group discussions revealed that both GPs and CAMHS specialists saw the joint consultations as a good teaching method for improving GPs’ skills in child and adolescent psychiatry. Both groups believed that this low-threshold service benefits the patients and that the joint consultation is especially suited to sort problems and determine the level of help required. Conclusions The GPs and CAMHS specialists shared the impression that the collaboration model is beneficial for both patients and health care providers. Close collaboration with primary health care is recommended in the guidelines for child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinics. We suggest that the joint consultation model could be a good way for GPs and CAMHS specialists to collaborate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Guldahl Seierstad
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mette Brekke
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingun Toftemo
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Rikard Haavet
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Fleury MJ, Grenier G, Vallée C, Aubé D, Farand L, Bamvita JM, Cyr G. Implementation of the Quebec mental health reform (2005-2015). BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:586. [PMID: 27756297 PMCID: PMC5069811 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study evaluates implementation of the Quebec Mental Health (MH) Reform (2005–2015) which aimed to improve accessibility, quality and continuity of care by developing primary care and optimizing integrated service networks. Implementation of MH primary care teams, clinical strategies for consolidating primary care, integration strategies to improve collaboration between primary care and specialized services, and facilitators and barriers related to these measures were examined. Methods Eleven Quebec MH service networks provided the study setting. Networks were identified in consultation with 20 key MH decision makers and selected based on variation in services offered, integration strategies, best practices, and geographic criteria. Data collection included: primary documents, structured questionnaires completed by 25 managers from MH primary care teams and 16 respondent-psychiatrists working in shared-care, and semi-structured interviews with 102 network stakeholders involved in the reform. The study employed a mixed method approach, triangulating the three data sources across networks. Results While implementation was not fully achieved in most networks, the Quebec reform succeeded in improving primary care services with the creation of adult primary care teams, and one-stop services which increased access to care, mainly for clients with common MH disorders. In terms of clinical strategies implemented, the functions provided by respondent-psychiatrists had a greater impact on the MH primary care teams than on general practitioners (GPs) in medical clinics; whereas the implementation of best practices were indirect outcomes of another reform developed simultaneously by the Quebec substance use disorders program. The main integration strategies used for increasing continuity of care and collaboration between primary care and specialized services were those involving fewer formal procedures such as referrals between teams and organizations. The lack of operational mechanisms and protocols governing new services and structures were important barriers to primary care consolidation and service integration, as was the lack of interest and involvement of most GPs in MH. Conclusions Successful and sustained healthcare reform requires attention to process and outcomes as well as structural change or service reorganization. Six recommendations for more successful implementation of the Quebec MH Reform are provided, with implications for healthcare reform internationally. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1832-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Josée Fleury
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke Street, Montreal, H3A 0G4, Quebec, Canada. .,Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3, Canada.
| | - Guy Grenier
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Catherine Vallée
- Rehabilitation Department, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, GIV 0A6, Canada
| | - Denise Aubé
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University, National Public Health Institute of Québec, Quebec, Quebec, GIV 0A6, Canada
| | - Lambert Farand
- Department of Health Administration, Policy and Evaluation, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 3J7, Canada
| | - Jean-Marie Bamvita
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Geneviève Cyr
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3, Canada
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