Mary’s Center, a prominent healthcare provider in Washington, DC, is making significant strides in integrating behavioral health with primary care. The Director of Behavioral Health Integration, Nelson Rivera, discusses how the organization implements valuable lessons from the Integrated Care DC Leadership Through Change Learning Collaborative.
Enhanced Integration Strategies
“One of the major takeaways from the collaborative was the importance of seamless coordination between behavioral health and primary care teams,” said Rivera. “We’ve incorporated best practices to enhance our integration strategies.” Rivera has been instrumental in facilitating training sessions for primary care providers (PCPs), registered nurses (RNs), and medical assistants (MAs) to ensure comprehensive, integrated care. This approach has improved the way different teams collaborate to support patients’ overall health needs.
Improved Data Analytics
Another area of focus has been the enhancement of data analytics capabilities. “Using the tools and methodologies discussed during the sessions, we’ve significantly improved our ability to track patient outcomes and service utilization,” Rivera explained. He worked closely with the health informatics team to develop follow-up service types, allowing for better data extraction and analysis through the electronic medical record system. This data-driven approach helps Mary’s Center identify and address care gaps more effectively.
Leadership Development
The leadership techniques and change management strategies learned from the collaborative have also had a profound impact. Rivera shared, “The DiSC® leadership style assessment was particularly insightful. It highlighted my ‘i’ (Influence) style, which has reshaped how I supervise and motivate my team.” Understanding his leadership style has enabled Rivera to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, which is essential for guiding his team through transitions and ensuring the successful implementation of new processes.
Becoming Champions of the CRISP DC System
Mary’s Center is also making strides in leveraging CRISP DC, a crucial tool for health information exchange. “To become champions of CRISP DC, we’ve focused on several key areas,” Rivera noted. These include:
- Engaging with CRISP DC Tools: Utilizing tools like the newly renamed CEND Population Explorer (formerly Encounter Notification Service) for real-time alerts about patient hospital visits and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).
- Integration into Workflow: Integrating CRISP DC data into daily workflows to coordinate post-hospitalization care and ensure safe prescribing practices.
- Training and Support: Conducting regular training sessions and providing ongoing support to ensure staff proficiency.
- Data Utilization: Using CRISP DC data to identify care gaps, track patient outcomes, and improve population health management.
By applying the insights from the Integrated Care DC Leadership Through Change Learning Collaborative, Mary’s Center is enhancing clinical outcomes, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring the sustainability of its services. Rivera concluded, “We are committed to continuing this journey and sharing our progress with the community.”
To learn more about Mary’s Center, visit www.maryscenter.org.