New resource on “telebehavioral” health available

The American Hospital Association (AHA) and the National Quality Forum (NQF) released a guide yesterday at NQF's annual conference in Washington, D.C. that is designed to help hospitals and health systems deliver high-quality telebehavioral care, with actionable strategies and interventions to improve patient outcomes and enhance access to services.

"Telebehavioral health expands access, improves outcomes and lowers costs," said Andrew Shin, chief operating officer of the AHA Center for Health Innovation, in a prepared statement. "Whether a hospital or health system is starting a new service or strengthening existing programs, this guide provides practical guidance for scaling and sustaining innovative models for behavioral health."

AHA says an estimated 44 million Americans have a behavioral health disorder, fewer than half of whom receive the treatment they need. In fact according to a recent study, most clinical professionals working in hospitals said they feel unprepared to screen for and assist patients with mental health and substance use disorders.

"This guide is unique because it is informed by perspectives across clinical care, technology, strategy and implementation," said Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., NQF president and CEO, the AHA release. "It gives C-suite leaders, managers and front-line staff the strategies, interventions and tools needed to make smart decisions, take actionable steps and deliver quality behavioral health care to patients."