Poster 24 – Lessons Learned: Implementing a PCBH Model in Pediatric Clinics in Memphis, TN

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, caring for more than 250,000 children each year. One part of the Le Bonheur system is the division of Le Bonheur Pediatrics (LBP), a group of six outpatient pediatric primary care clinics located throughout the city of Memphis, which include 26 pediatricians serving 39,000 patients. LBP was named a 2021 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award winner, indicating its top ranking among pediatric clinics nationwide regarding patient experience. In 2019, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment. Results found the greatest area of concern and need among community members was mental health. In order to better address these needs, LBP proposed a plan to implement an integrated behavioral health (IBH) model within the pediatric primary care setting. LBP developed a plan to implement and evaluate a pilot program in Memphis for pediatric PCBH. The purpose of this program is to provide greater access to mental health services for the community. Currently, the initial steps of the project have begun. A licensed psychologist has been hired to serve as the supervisor of the program, and two additional Masters-level clinicians are in the process of on-boarding. By the date of the CHFA conference, three of the six pediatric primary care practices within LBP will each have a full-time, on-site BHC providing care to approximately 21,750 patients and collaborating with 16 pediatricians. This poster will present primary care provider reactions to collaborative work with the BHC, patient and/or family member responses to working with a BHC in the primary care setting, issues or difficulties regarding implementing an IBH model within pediatric primary care clinics (particularly in the midst of a pandemic), and hiring and on-boarding BHCs in a market with limited supply.