Using technology to increase behavioral health support for new parents
Using telehealth, front-line workers learn how to screen and refer new parents for help with behavioral health needs.
Mental health conditions are the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths, causing an estimated 22.5 percent of pregnancy related deaths. The problem is worse in places with a shortage of mental health providers. Telehealth can help bridge the gaps.
The Kansas Connecting Communities program uses telehealth to offer an online training for front-line workers. These workers learn how to screen new parents for mental health issues. The program “takes a broad approach to increase front-line provider capacity to meet maternal health needs.” The virtual training is provided to obstetricians, pediatricians, public health workers, and people who help with social services. They learn about support services that are available for new parents. This includes counseling for depression and anxiety. Treatment is also available for substance use disorder.
The online program includes free virtual psychiatric consultation and care coordination for all front-line workers and providers. While seeing the patient, trained front-line workers can call, text, or have a video consultation directly with a psychiatrist. Other workers can help refer the patient to treatment.
While seeing the patient, trained front-line workers can call, text, or have a video consultation directly with a psychiatrist.
The program model allows a small team of experts to virtually train a dedicated workforce.
The program has trained over 900 front-line workers. This includes providers from over 50 clinics. The program model allows a small team of experts to virtually train a dedicated workforce. Together, they focus on making sure new parents get the emotional support and care they need.