Implementation of Integrated Behavioural Health in Outpatient Cardiology Care for Patients with Injection Drug Use–Associated Infective Endocarditis

We described the feasibility of implementing integrated behavioural health (IBH) care in an outpatient cardiology clinic for patients with injection drug use–associated infective endocarditis (IDU-IE). From 2021-2024, a total of 141 patients with IDU-IE were evaluated in the clinic. Universal behavioural health screening was completed for 78 patients (55.3%). Of those screened, 23 (29.5%) received a behavioural health assessment and consented to receive IBH care. Among them, 21 (91.3%) received at least one psychiatric consultation, and all 23 (100%) received a brief behavioural health intervention. IBH care for patients with IDU-IE was feasible to implement in an outpatient cardiology clinic.