Telemedicine Transforming Behavioral Health Care at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading pediatric medical center providing inpatient and outpatient care for children. However, the state of Missouri faces a critical shortage of behavioral health providers, with only 200 licensed psychiatrists serving a population of 6 million.
The Crisis
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for behavioral health services was already overwhelming. Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital found its emergency departments flooded with behavioral health patients, leading to extended wait times and inadequate care. The shortage of psychiatrists and mental health professionals was felt across urban, suburban, and rural areas, affecting patients of all backgrounds.
Families were forced to seek crisis care through the ED due to long waitlists and limited appointment availability, creating a cycle that was unsustainable for both patients and the hospital.
The Solution
Recognizing the urgent need to expand psychiatric capacity, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital turned to telepsychiatry as a solution. Telemedicine was identified as an ideal platform for delivering behavioral health services, allowing for remote consultations and treatment without the need for physical examination.
Partnering with Iris Telehealth, the hospital implemented a phased approach to scaling its telepsychiatry program. Starting with one full-time dedicated psychiatrist, the program was designed to grow based on demand, ensuring patients across multiple states could access care.
Implementation
Integrating telepsychiatry into the existing Epic EHR platform, Cardinal Glennon streamlined patient care and communication. Psychiatrists connected with patients through Epic’s video platform, maintaining continuity of care and simplifying documentation.
Pre-visit services were emphasized, with a focus on patient engagement and readiness assessment. A multidisciplinary care team, including psychologists, counselors, and social workers, supported the psychiatrist’s treatment directives, providing ongoing therapeutic assistance.
Results
The introduction of behavioral health virtual care led to significant improvements in access and patient outcomes. Appointment wait times decreased, with more patients receiving timely care. No-show rates were reduced, maximizing the efficiency of psychiatric resources.
In the emergency department, wait times for behavioral health patients were cut in half, allowing for quicker interventions in crisis situations. By identifying and treating patients before escalation to emergency status, the hospital made significant progress in addressing the region’s psychiatric care needs.
Advice for Others
For organizations considering telemedicine for behavioral health, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital emphasizes the importance of building relationships with vendors and focusing on comprehensive care. Successful programs require robust support services, streamlined processes, and engaged care teams to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
By starting small and scaling incrementally, healthcare organizations can refine their processes and integrate telemedicine seamlessly into existing workflows. The human elements of care coordination and support staff are essential for the success of behavioral health programs, complementing the technology-enabled service delivery.
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