Perceptions of the Implementation of Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration in 3 Community Health Centers

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2019 Oct;58(11-12):1201-1211. doi: 10.1177/0009922819867454. Epub 2019 Aug 9.

Abstract

Pediatric behavioral health integration (BHI) represents a promising approach to address unmet child mental health need but little research exists to guide BHI implementation. Through in-depth interviews with 38 professionals involved in a comprehensive pediatric BHI initiative at 3 community health centers, we explored perceptions of the impact of BHI on clinical practice, and facilitators and barriers to BHI implementation. Professionals identified 2 overarching themes about the impact of BHI on clinical practice (greater interdisciplinary collaboration/communication and enhanced provider wellness); 5 themes about facilitators of BHI (staff buy-in for BHI, leadership support, staff belonging to the same team culturally and/or structurally, co-location with close physical proximity, and data-driven quality improvement); and 5 themes about barriers to BHI (inadequate clinician staffing, insufficient space, limited provider time, billing/reimbursement issues, and care coordination challenges). Future pediatric BHI efforts may consider these findings to develop strategies to promote facilitators and reduce barriers during implementation.

Keywords: behavioral health; behavioral health integration; implementation; mental health; pediatrics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Community Health Centers*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Primary Health Care / methods
  • Quality Improvement
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States
  • Young Adult