Topic: Effectively Managing Behavioral health/Mental Health Illness on a medical/surgical unit
The strategy and methods assignment is an informal paper draft of the strategy or methods that will be used for the DNP project. The paper may be, but is not required to be, written in APA (7th ed.) format. The paper should include a reference list for citations contained in the draft. The strategy and methods for this draft should be described in broad strokes and considered the first step in establishing a set process to complete the final project. As the project is refined, the methodology for the project will also be refined. The draft may include, but is not required to include:
• A description of the general approach to the problem (e.g. educational, advocacy, policy, simulation-practice, an intervention, equipment, technology, etc.)
• A description of a more specific application of the approach for this practice, population, and issue (e.g. a reading, an interactive video-class, a new policy, weekly huddles, a kiosk, change in practice process format or timing, a new device, changes in the practice environment, etc.)
• A description of who would be involved in the operationalization of the project (e.g. patients, providers, support staff, IT, the management team, etc.)
Effectively Managing Behavioral Health/Mental Health Illness on a Medical/Surgical Unit
Introduction
Managing behavioral health and mental health illnesses on a medical/surgical unit is a complex and challenging task that requires an interdisciplinary approach. This paper will discuss a general approach to addressing this issue, followed by a more specific application for this practice, population, and issue. Additionally, it will outline the key stakeholders involved in the operationalization of the project.
General Approach: Integrated Care
The general approach to effectively managing behavioral health/mental health illness on a medical/surgical unit is through the implementation of integrated care. Integrated care involves the seamless coordination and collaboration between medical and behavioral health professionals to address the physical and mental health needs of patients holistically. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and aims to provide comprehensive care.
Specific Application: Collaborative Care Model
A specific application of the integrated care approach for managing behavioral health/mental health illness on a medical/surgical unit is the implementation of a collaborative care model. The collaborative care model involves a team-based approach that includes primary care providers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. The team works together to provide evidence-based interventions, such as medication management, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support, to patients with behavioral health/mental health issues.
The collaborative care model can be implemented through the following strategies:
Screening and Identification: Implement routine screening tools to identify patients with behavioral health/mental health concerns upon admission or during regular follow-up visits. This can help identify patients who may require additional support or interventions.
Care Coordination: Establish a care coordinator role within the medical/surgical unit who can facilitate communication and coordination between the patient, primary care provider, behavioral health professionals, and other members of the healthcare team. The care coordinator ensures that patients receive appropriate referrals, follow-up appointments, and support services.
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Collaborate with psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners who can provide consultation and support to primary care providers in managing patients with complex behavioral health/mental health needs. This can include assistance with medication management, treatment planning, and guidance in addressing psychiatric comorbidities.
Psychoeducation and Support: Develop educational materials and resources for patients and their families to increase awareness and understanding of mental health conditions. Provide psychoeducation sessions to patients to enhance self-management skills and promote adherence to treatment plans.
Collaborative Documentation: Utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and documentation between different healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care. This ensures that relevant information is easily accessible to all team members, promoting continuity of care.
Stakeholders Involved in Operationalization
To effectively operationalize the project, the involvement of various stakeholders is crucial. These stakeholders include:
Patients: Patients play a central role in their own care. They should actively participate in treatment decision-making, adhere to treatment plans, and provide feedback on their experiences.
Providers: This includes primary care physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients on the medical/surgical unit. They collaborate closely to ensure integrated care delivery.
Support Staff: Administrative staff, medical assistants, and other support staff contribute to the smooth functioning of the collaborative care model by assisting with scheduling appointments, coordinating referrals, and facilitating communication between team members.
IT Department: The IT department plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and other technological tools necessary for seamless communication, data sharing, and documentation.
Management Team: The management team provides leadership and support for the project implementation. They allocate resources, monitor progress, address barriers, and ensure that policies and procedures are aligned with the collaborative care model.
Conclusion
Effectively managing behavioral health/mental health illness on a medical/surgical unit requires a comprehensive approach that integrates physical and mental healthcare. By implementing a collaborative care model that involves screening, care coordination, consultation-liaison psychiatry, psychoeducation/support, and collaborative documentation, healthcare professionals can provide holistic care to patients. The involvement of key stakeholders such as patients, providers, support staff, IT department, and the management team is essential for successful operationalization of this project. Through effective collaboration, healthcare teams can improve outcomes for patients with behavioral health/mental health issues on medical/surgical units.