Implementing a Just-in-Time Precepting Model in Two Integrated Behavioral Health Programs: A Response to the COVID-19...

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Mental Health Services
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated unmet demand for mental health services.
• Integrated behavioral health (BH) in primary care faced access challenges due to reduced in-person visits.
• Telehealth partially addressed access but limited collaboration in resident precepting clinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt BH clinician schedules for regular, timely consultations in academic primary care resident precepting clinics.
• To balance program needs with financial sustainability within fee-for-service models.
• To enhance collaboration between medical and BH teams.

Main Methods:

• A program was developed in two academic primary care practices (2021-2022).
• BH clinician schedules were adapted to align with resident precepting clinics, consolidating collaboration time.
• Data on consultation volume, source, domain, time, disposition, and patient contact were tracked.

Main Results:

• Preliminary data indicate BH clinician availability and accessibility facilitated consultations by multiple medical team members.
• Flexible scheduling improved interprofessional collaboration between medical and BH providers.
• Care access for patients was maintained despite pandemic-related challenges.

Conclusions:

• Adapting BH clinician schedules can effectively support integrated care in primary care settings.
• Flexible scheduling models enhance collaboration and maintain patient access to behavioral health services.
• This approach offers a sustainable model for integrated behavioral health within academic primary care.