Psychiatric consultation intervention in primary care settings

A Pilot Study on the Impact of a Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Intervention in Primary Care Medical Consultations in French Speaking Switzerland (PLIMeC-P): A Mixed Method Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisante), University of Lausanne, Switzerland · NCT06377189

This study is testing a new way for primary care doctors in Switzerland to work with mental health experts to see if it helps them better support patients with mental health issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCenter for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisante), University of Lausanne, Switzerland (other)
Locations3 sites (Neuchâtel, Canton of Neuchâtel and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06377189 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effects of a brief Consultation-Liaison psychiatry intervention in primary care settings in French-speaking Switzerland. It employs a mixed methods randomized controlled trial design to assess how this intervention can enhance the management of mental health issues by primary care physicians. The study aims to improve collaboration between primary care and psychiatric services, addressing the high prevalence of mental disorders in primary care. By optimizing the quality of interventions and cooperation with psychiatric networks, the study seeks to empower primary care physicians in managing complex mental health cases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are experiencing mental distress or psychiatric symptoms and have been referred by their primary care physician.

Not a fit: Patients with acute psychotic symptoms, a risk of aggression, or those currently undergoing psychiatric follow-up may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of mental health care provided in primary care settings.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that multidisciplinary interventions, including Consultation-Liaison psychiatry, can improve mental health care outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged more than 18 years
* Signed informed consent to study protocol
* Referred by their PCP due to mental distress, psychiatric symptoms, or complexity of medical care
* Having fluent knowledge of the local language or being accompanied by an interpreter

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not being able to give an informed consent and follow the procedure of the study (due to dementia, restriction of intellectual capacity, acute confusional state, language problem)
* Presenting an acute psychotic symptomatology, a hetero-aggression risk or an acute suicidality
* Having an ongoing psychiatric follow-up

Where this trial is running

Neuchâtel, Canton of Neuchâtel and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mental Health Issue, Depression/Anxiety, Quality of Life, Psychosomatic Disorders, Patients Lived Experiences, Doctor-Patient Relation, Collaboration, Consultation-Liaison psychiatry

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.