Developing the multidisciplinary M-COPE Psychosocial Program in a paediatric heart centre.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Psychosocial Health
• Integrated Care Models

Background:

• High prevalence of mental health challenges in pediatric cardiology patients.
• Recognized need for integrated psychosocial programming within cardiology care.
• Establishment of the M-COPE Program at the University of Michigan Congenital Heart Centre in January 2020.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe the development of the M-COPE Program.
• Outline the current structure and preliminary outcomes.
• Inform similar program development efforts in pediatric cardiology.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive needs assessment including interviews and patient surveys.
• Mission focused on expanding psychosocial clinical services, research, training, and advocacy.
• Development of novel service delivery modes through multidisciplinary collaboration.

Main Results:

• Increased access to mental health care through more clinicians and embedded services.
• Development of cardiac psychology fellowships and mental health curriculum for fellows.
• Foundation in research, from federal funding to quality improvement projects.

Conclusions:

• The M-COPE Program is integral to the heart center's operations.
• Future directions include enhanced home-based care and perinatal psychiatry integration.
• Ongoing study of program impact using metrics like referral patterns and patient outcomes.