This programme unites our research collaborations and academic links between the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Ioannina, the A&E department of our General Teaching Hospital, the Psychiatry Research Group of the University of Manchester, UK, and the Psychiatry Research Group of the University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil, with which we have a strong track record in Applied Health Services Research during the last years.

The principal investigator has established the Consultation-Liaison (C-L) Psychiatry Unit of the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Ioannina, which is the first and only independent C-L Unit in Greece. The establishment and function of our C-L Unit and our previous research efforts have established continuous and fruitful research collaboration with most departments of our General Hospital.

The Hellenic Society of Rheumatology has provided financial support for initial research in the field of psychosocial factors associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The academic research team is based in centres of international research excellence in psychiatry, clinical psychology, mental health nursing and general practice.