Quality improvement in a regional learning network: A case study on optimizing mental health services

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Mental and Behavioral Health (MBH)
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Rising demand for pediatric mental and behavioral health (MBH) services contrasts with limited access to evidence-based care.
• Ineffective treatments lead to prolonged care, restricted access, provider burnout, and turnover.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case example of an academic-community partnership improving pediatric MBH care delivery.
• To outline the implementation of measurement-based care using improvement science strategies.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration between an academic medical center and a community MBH organization.
• System-wide rollout of measurement-based care training, expert case consultation, and quality improvement processes.
• Integration of Brief Outcome Survey and strategies to mitigate provider burnout.

Main Results:

• Increased provider self-efficacy and adherence to measurement-based care.
• Improved caregiver engagement, satisfaction, and shorter treatment durations.
• Reduced provider turnover and enhanced access to high-quality pediatric MBH care.

Conclusions:

• Coordinated academic-community partnerships can significantly expand access to quality pediatric MBH care.
• Scalable, cross-sector implementation strategies can address national shortages in effective pediatric MBH services.