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

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