The phased implementation of a major mental health program in Quebec, which the Legault government is banking on to reduce waiting lists, is causing serious concern among hundreds of healthcare professionals.
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An internal survey conducted by the Alliance du personal professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS) among more than 700 members in several regions of the province, the results of which TVA Nouvelles was able to see, shows that 74% are psychologists Opinion that the Quebec Program for Mental Disorders (PQPTM) provides a “reduction in the quality of patient care.”
This program is based on a step-by-step model of care, from self-care to psychotherapy. Since autumn 2020, all public health and social care facilities in Quebec have been partially offering it.
Its implementation is not yet fully complete and there are already many concerns.
Watch the interview with Robert Comeau, President of the APTS:
“We come to create a distance between the client and the psychologist. They are first and foremost professionals who receive the customer on the front lines; Social workers or psychoeducators, for example. You will appreciate the customer more than evaluate him. The nuance is important,” stressed Mr. Comeau.
He explained that the first responder may not be able to provide an assessment and that completing a questionnaire is an “algorithm that gives an answer that guides the customer”.
“The psychologist can no longer use his clinical judgment to offer a better service. The PQPTM does not allow (adjust) the number of sessions. [Le psychologue] will have to fight with his manager to be able to increase the number of meetings,” he added.
Inspired by a similar initiative in England, the PQPTM nevertheless enables people to receive “care and services tailored to their needs from mainstream social services”, according to the Department for Health and Social Services (MSSS).
In an email to TVA Nouvelles, a MSSS spokesperson mentioned that “the PQPTM provides best practices recognized around the world”.
It states that “each stakeholder is accountable for their practice and treatment methods”. “According to his clinical judgment and professional autonomy, he must propose treatments that meet the needs of the person. The recommended courses of action are those that have proven their effectiveness according to the study of the literature, which is based on meaningful data and has consensus among experts.
The provincial government allocates an annual budget of approximately US$35 million to the PQPTM. At the time of writing, 20,505 people were waiting at the mental health entry desk.