Start-up and first results of the dual pathology outpatient program in salamanca.

Introduction: At present in the province of Salamanca, there is no outpatient program focused on dual pathology. There is a perceived need of attention to those patients who present a serious mental disorder and a substance use disorder. Objectives: In accordance with the recommendations of the scientific evidence of recent years, we propose the creation of a specific healthcare resource within the framework of the University of Salamanca Health Complex. Methods: The dual pathology outpatient program sits (image 1) on the second level of the assistance system and follows the indications of the IV Mental Health Plan of the Regional Ministry of Health. It is intended to be a bridge between the two usual lines of assistance (image 2): mental health network and drug dependence network. It will offer a multidisciplinary and integrated approach from a biopsychosocial perspective. It will focus on diagnosis, differential diagnosis, psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approach, nursing care and psychometry. In addition, the dual pathology outpatient program aims to be a training area for service professionals and the basis for promoting research activity focused on dual pathology. A previous training and coordination program has been carried out with the different resources of both networks. A pilot project is proposed, building a therapeutic team consisting of a psychiatrist, two clinical psychologists, two nurses, a social worker and two social educators. Results: The first clinical results are presented. Conclusions: This new program results from the effort to improve care for patients with dual pathology. More experience in this area is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]