The role of integrated behavioral health in caring for patients with metabolic disorders

Identifying implementation barriers and facilitators in an integrated behavioral health training program to improve workforce development

Integrated behavioral health (IBH) in pediatric primary care settings can improve access to needed care and outcomes. Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) programs can better prepare the workforce and support improved care access. This case study identified factors that impede and facilitate the implementation of practice-based training in a BHWET program using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Surveys were administered to BHWET trainees and primary care partners to assess stakeholder perspectives on field-based training processes. Qualitative data were extracted from surveys and trainee clinical logs. Providers reported high levels of satisfaction with IBH care training experiences. Data analysis identified several implementation facilitators and barriers. Implementation facilitators were associated with two EPIS outer context factors (leadership and collaboration) and one inner context factor (partner staffing). Identified barriers were associated with two inner context factors (organizational characteristics and data collection). Although the facilitators and barriers identified in this study were program specific, they have relevance for similar programs. Barriers identified at the organizational level reflect those identified in the research literature and provide insights for university programs regarding factors that must be considered when integrating IBH training components in primary care settings.

Role of Psychologists in Pediatric Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders or inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) can have a wide range of neurodevelopmental and behavioral presentations. These can vary with age and/or management or stressors from common childhood/intercurrent illnesses/procedures/interventions. Collaborative care models such as multidisciplinary metabolic clinics or colocated models with behavioral health clinics and metabolic clinics in the same location can be valuable resources in improving long-term outcomes in patients with IEM. Psychologists' expertise using behavioral interventions, screening, or adaptive/cognitive measures can help with diagnosis, treatment adherence, school performance, family support, community resources, transition to adolescence and young adulthood using health belief concepts to improve outcomes.

Role of Psychologists in Pediatric Subspecialties: Integrated Psychological Services Overarching Concepts Across Pediatric Subspecialties

This article addresses, in more general terms, the overarching concepts of the role of integrated psychologists and how their services are incorporated in the medical home with the use of provider consultation, administering assessments in identifying common mental health concerns, providing interventions for treatment adherence and providing short-term therapy within pediatric subspecialties.

Integrated Behavioral Health: Definitions and Contexts

Most children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health concerns first present to their pediatricians. Although pediatricians are fully cognizant of the importance of addressing behavioral and mental health concerns, they often find it difficult to deliver such care effectively and efficiently within a typical practice setting. Integration of medical and behavioral health care has emerged as a model to deliver such care. In the pediatric primary care practice, integrated behavioral health has been shown to be a cost-effective way to deliver high-quality care. This article describes basic definitions and contexts of integrated pediatric behavioral health.

Integrated Behavioral Health Role in Helping Pediatricians Find Long Term Mental Health Interventions with the Use of Assessments

This article explores the role of assessments in integrated behavioral health within a pediatric primary care setting, specifically exploring what valid and reliable standardized assessments may be used and for what concerns the assessment be of most use. The article also considers how assessments used by integrated behavioral health may inform the type of evidenced-based intervention that would be most appropriate and efficacious for the patient, as well as assist in determining if longer term or more formal mental health treatment may be required.