TY - JOUR AU - C. Chew-Graham AU - H. Burroughs AU - D. Hibbert AU - L. Gask AU - S. Beatty AU - K. Gravenhorst AU - W. Waheed AU - M. Kovandzic AU - M. Gabbay AU - C. Dowrick A1 - AB - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to improve the quality of primary mental healthcare in underserved communities through involvement with the wider primary care team members and local community agencies. METHODS: We developed training intended for all GP practice staff which included elements of knowledge transfer, systems review and active linking. Seven GP Practices in four localities (North West England, UK) took part in the training. Qualitative evaluation was conducted using thirteen semi-structured interviews and two focus groups in six of the participating practices; analysis used principles of Framework Analysis. RESULTS: Staff who had engaged with the training programme reported increased awareness, recognition and respect for the needs of patients from under-served communities. We received reports of changes in style and content of interactions, particularly amongst receptionists, and evidence of system change. In addition, the training program increased awareness of - and encouraged signposting to - community agencies within the practice locality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates how engaging with practices and delivering training in a changing health care system might best be attempted. The importance of engaging with community agencies is clear, as is the use of the AMP model as a template for further research. BT - BMC family practice C5 - Education & Workforce; Healthcare Disparities CY - England DO - 10.1186/1471-2296-15-68 JF - BMC family practice N2 - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to improve the quality of primary mental healthcare in underserved communities through involvement with the wider primary care team members and local community agencies. METHODS: We developed training intended for all GP practice staff which included elements of knowledge transfer, systems review and active linking. Seven GP Practices in four localities (North West England, UK) took part in the training. Qualitative evaluation was conducted using thirteen semi-structured interviews and two focus groups in six of the participating practices; analysis used principles of Framework Analysis. RESULTS: Staff who had engaged with the training programme reported increased awareness, recognition and respect for the needs of patients from under-served communities. We received reports of changes in style and content of interactions, particularly amongst receptionists, and evidence of system change. In addition, the training program increased awareness of - and encouraged signposting to - community agencies within the practice locality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates how engaging with practices and delivering training in a changing health care system might best be attempted. The importance of engaging with community agencies is clear, as is the use of the AMP model as a template for further research. PP - England PY - 2014 SN - 1471-2296; 1471-2296 SP - 68 T1 - Aiming to improve the quality of primary mental health care: developing an intervention for underserved communities T2 - BMC family practice TI - Aiming to improve the quality of primary mental health care: developing an intervention for underserved communities U1 - Education & Workforce; Healthcare Disparities U2 - 24741996 U3 - 10.1186/1471-2296-15-68 VL - 15 VO - 1471-2296; 1471-2296 Y1 - 2014 ER -