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Primary mental healthcare: patients’ perspectives1235for this vulnerable patient group. Consequently, the practice organisation should aim at optimal continuity of care provided by the same person. 36For the GP, this requires extra time and effort, which is not always feasible in daily practice. An MHNP or the patient’s own network may be actively involved to support meeting these emotional needs.Participants desired to maintain self-determination over their MH trajectory in primary care. The ability to make their own decisions contributes to personal wellbeing in people with ID and/or MH problems. 37, 38 To safeguard autonomy in patients with MID, GPs should be aware that this requires additional, patient-tailored, practical and emotional support, taking into account the patient’s cognitive skills. Extra consultation time, accessible information, sufficient alternatives, and someone to talk to are seen as essential for decision making 37 and should be facilitated in primary MH care.Finally, it would be of additional value to study GPs’ perspectives on primary MH care for people with MID. This may help ensure that suggested implications for practice are feasible in GPs’ daily practice and match these professionals’ needs and capacity. ConclusionThe patients’ perspective shows that people with MID, with additional MH problems, feel extra vulnerable in accessing and utilising primary care, and desire self-determination over their MH. Their perceived vulnerability requires investment in a good GP–patient relationship and the organisation of additional support to meet their needs. This support is especially important for the implementation of GP advices and coordination of care, whereby patients’ cognitive, practical, and emotional level of functioning is taken into account. This is not only a task for the GP; it also requires collaborative care with the patient, the patient’s network, and other (care) professionals.Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 123 24-06-2024 16:26