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Implementation of a Pilot Program to Reduce Wait Times for Mental Health Referrals at a Federally Funded Facility in the Midwest
Swiercinsky, Corinna Ann
Swiercinsky, Corinna Ann
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Abstract
Problem: An urban, federally funded facility in Northeast Kansas practices without a risk stratification method to ensure wait times remain clinically appropriate and further lacks a protocol for crisis education. These disparities lead to decreased access to care and poor health outcomes. The current wait time average is 37 days.Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to 1) reduce the wait time for providers for patients with a care assessment need score (CAN) over 50 to 14 days and 2) provide standardized patient crisis management education by the Registered Nurse (RN) within five days.Method: Kotter’s Change Management Theory was used to develop and implement a 16-week pilot project. The project included developing materials, providing education and training, and implementing a new workflow. Quantitative data were collected using reports and chart audits and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Roundtable discussions, observation, field notes, and PDSA cycles were used to assess project progress and were analyzed using formative evaluation.Results: A total of 64 patients were identified as high-risk using CAN scoring. Of the total, 58 patients were provided crisis management education and RN risk stratification. The pilot resulted in a 16-day decrease in wait times for mental health referrals.Conclusions: Patient risk stratification and crisis management education during a long wait for a mental health appointment mitigate the risk of poor patient safety outcomes. Implementing these key evidence-based strategies for reducing wait times improves timely access to high-quality, patient-centered care in mental health.
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2023-05-31
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University of Kansas
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This item contains archived web content.
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976844_1.pdf
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Keywords
Mental health, Access, Crisis management, High-risk, Risk assessment, Risk stratification, Wait-time