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Effectively Managing Behavioral Health/Mental Health Illness on a Medical/Surgical Unit

Ramona Wilkerson

Herzing University

October 28, 2023

Effectively Managing Behavioral Health/Mental Health Illness on a Medical/Surgical Unit

1. Strategy and Methods

a. General approach to the problem

The strategy chosen to effectively manage behavioral/mental health illness in a surgical unit is implementing an educational approach. Education serves as the foundation for positive change in healthcare (Sniffen et al., 2021). In this context, it will equip healthcare providers and support staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of behavioral health issues. Education will empower healthcare providers since education will improve their understanding of various behavioral health conditions, their impact on physical health and the nuances of patient interaction. Education will be essential for enhancing communication skills, reducing stigma and fostering an empathetic approach to patient care. Without a strong educational foundation, healthcare providers may struggle to recognize, address and support patients with behavioral health concerns effectively; an educational approach will serve as a catalyst for elevating the standard of care in a medical/surgical unit.

b. Description of the specific application

The educational approach acknowledges that the medical/surgical unit must transform its care delivery model to incorporate behavioral health seamlessly. Healthcare providers, including nurses and physicians, will be introduced to tailored training programs. These programs will feature a curriculum covering various aspects of behavioral health, from understanding common conditions to effective communication strategies. Furthermore, practical learning experiences, such as case studies and role-playing will be integrated to allow healthcare providers to apply their knowledge in realistic situations.

Moreover, the program will integrate ongoing education and professional development as a standard practice. This will encompass regular workshops, online courses and access to relevant conferences and seminars thus ensuring that healthcare providers remain up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field (Koly et al., 2021). Standardized assessment tools and certification programs will also be introduced to evaluate the competency of healthcare providers actively engaged in managing behavioral health issues. By implementing these specific applications, the medical/surgical unit will foster a learning environment that supports improved patient outcomes and ensures healthcare teams are informed, empathetic and highly competent in addressing behavioral health concerns.

c. Participants

Healthcare providers, support staff, patients and the education and management teams will be the stakeholders involved in the educational approach. Healthcare providers, including nurses, physicians and support staff will be crucial in this educational approach. They will be the primary recipients of the training programs and educational initiatives. They will actively participate in these programs and will gain the knowledge and skills required to better understand and address behavioral health issues in the medical/surgical unit. Support staff will also have a role in facilitating the implementation of the educational approach. Their contribution will involve logistical support for training programs, ensuring that educational resources are readily available and helping create a culture that values ongoing education.

Patients will benefit from a healthcare team that is more informed and empathetic. They will indirectly play a role by being recipients of improved behavioral health care. Consequently, the education and management teams will be instrumental in developing and overseeing the educational initiatives and programs. They will collaborate to design curricula, organize workshops and ensure that the educational approach is effectively integrated into the medical/surgical unit's daily activities. The management team will provide the necessary resources and support to drive the educational approach forward.

References

Koly, K. N., Baskin, C., Khanam, I., Rao, M., Rasheed, S., Law, G. R., Sarker, F., & Gnani, S. (2021). Educational and training interventions aimed at healthcare workers in the detection and management of people with mental health conditions in south and south-East Asia: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.741328

Sniffen, K., Al-Hammadi, N., & Hinyard, L. (2021). The role of Interprofessional Education in the development of healthcare professionals’ team skills. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. https://doi.org/10.46743/1540-580x/2021.2017