Modern healthcare is rapidly moving towards a holistic, patient-centered model, making the integration of behavioral health services into primary care a critical priority. This approach, which addresses both the physical and mental well-being of patients in a single setting, is proven to improve health outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce overall healthcare costs. This training provides a strategic and practical roadmap for healthcare organizations to successfully embed behavioral health services, creating a more cohesive and effective care environment for all.

This course is designed for a wide range of professionals seeking to master the principles and practices of integrated care. You will gain a deep understanding of the models, workflows, and communication strategies required to bridge the gap between primary care and behavioral health. By the end of this program, you will be equipped with the knowledge to lead a successful integration effort, fostering a collaborative team and delivering seamless, whole-person care that meets the complex needs of today's patient populations.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Primary care physicians
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
• Clinical social workers and psychologists
• Practice managers and administrators
• Care coordinators and case managers
• Health system executives
• Quality improvement specialists
• Public health leaders
• Behavioral health clinic directors
• Insurance and managed care professionals

Objectives

• Understand the foundational principles and models of integrated care.
• Identify the benefits of co-locating behavioral and physical healthcare services.
• Develop effective screening protocols for common behavioral health conditions.
• Facilitate collaborative communication between primary care and behavioral health providers.
• Design efficient clinical workflows that support integrated teams.
• Implement a financial model that supports integrated care services.
• Utilize data to measure and improve the quality of integrated care.
• Address legal and ethical considerations in a shared-care setting.
• Develop a strategic plan for scaling an integrated care program.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Integrated Behavioral Health

• The case for integration: why it matters now.
• Differentiating between various models of integrated care.
• The roles and responsibilities of the integrated care team.
• Understanding the patient experience in an integrated setting.
• Key drivers for successful integration.

Module 2: Clinical Workflows and Communication

• Designing a seamless patient journey from screening to treatment.
• Developing efficient referral and consultation protocols.
• Strategies for warm handoffs and shared-care planning.
• The importance of a shared electronic health record (EHR).
• Optimizing communication to ensure cohesive team function.

Module 3: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention

• Selecting and implementing validated screening tools.
• Conducting brief assessments in the primary care setting.
• An introduction to brief, evidence-based interventions.
• Managing crisis situations within an integrated model.
• Ethical considerations in patient confidentiality and consent.

Module 4: Financial and Operational Management

• Understanding reimbursement models for integrated care.
• Developing a sustainable business plan for your program.
• The role of billing, coding, and documentation.
• Maximizing operational efficiency and resource allocation.
• Strategies for stakeholder buy-in and organizational leadership.

Module 5: Quality Improvement and Data Utilization

• Defining and measuring quality in integrated care.
• Using data to track outcomes and identify improvement areas.
• Implementing a framework for continuous quality improvement (CQI).
• The importance of patient feedback and satisfaction.
• Benchmarking your program against national standards.

Module 6: Building the Integrated Care Team

• Recruiting and onboarding staff with the right skills.
• Fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect.
• Providing ongoing training and professional development.
• Addressing team conflict and burnout.
• The role of supervision and mentorship in integrated care.

Module 7: Implementation and Best Practices

• Creating a phased implementation plan for your clinic or system.
• Learning from real-world case studies of successful integration.
• Developing a pilot project to test new workflows.
• Strategies for overcoming common implementation barriers.
• Planning for long-term sustainability and program growth.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.