A Tool for Accurate and Informative Behavioral Health Workforce Analysis
Advisor Information
Christiana Bratiotis
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 2:00 PM
End Date
6-3-2015 3:30 PM
Abstract
In recent years, behavioral health workforce analyses have been undertaken in Nebraska and throughout the United States. These efforts had several aims: 1) to correct workforce deficits; 2) strengthen competencies of the existing workforce; 3) make care more accessible; 4) increase retention of behavioral health professionals; and 5) facilitate integration of behavioral health and primary care. Due to a lack of universal terminology, much of the existing literature adopted divergent definitions of behavioral health and had no consensus about professional groups included in the behavioral health workforce. This resulted in unique analyses that hindered comparison between findings, making it nearly impossible to understand the state of behavioral health in this country. Many analysis only included licensed and certified professionals, for ease of tracking and because of their integral role in direct care services. However, supportive staff (behavioral technicians, case managers, peer support, etc.) account for a large portion of the behavioral healthcare workforce; the vast majority of whom are neither licensed nor certified, but nonetheless provide vital services. Through collaborative work with Region 6 Behavioral Health, this student developed a visual tool for use in conducting accurate workforce analysis. The unique model delineates roles and tasks among behavioral health providers and accounts for influences and relationships with peripheral systems. The tool is used to provide a common definition of behavioral health as a reference in assessments and summary reports. This one-of-a-kind model of behavioral health stands to make a significant impact in not only our region and state but throughout the country.
A Tool for Accurate and Informative Behavioral Health Workforce Analysis
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
In recent years, behavioral health workforce analyses have been undertaken in Nebraska and throughout the United States. These efforts had several aims: 1) to correct workforce deficits; 2) strengthen competencies of the existing workforce; 3) make care more accessible; 4) increase retention of behavioral health professionals; and 5) facilitate integration of behavioral health and primary care. Due to a lack of universal terminology, much of the existing literature adopted divergent definitions of behavioral health and had no consensus about professional groups included in the behavioral health workforce. This resulted in unique analyses that hindered comparison between findings, making it nearly impossible to understand the state of behavioral health in this country. Many analysis only included licensed and certified professionals, for ease of tracking and because of their integral role in direct care services. However, supportive staff (behavioral technicians, case managers, peer support, etc.) account for a large portion of the behavioral healthcare workforce; the vast majority of whom are neither licensed nor certified, but nonetheless provide vital services. Through collaborative work with Region 6 Behavioral Health, this student developed a visual tool for use in conducting accurate workforce analysis. The unique model delineates roles and tasks among behavioral health providers and accounts for influences and relationships with peripheral systems. The tool is used to provide a common definition of behavioral health as a reference in assessments and summary reports. This one-of-a-kind model of behavioral health stands to make a significant impact in not only our region and state but throughout the country.