Tackling Challenges in Ambulatory Care with Michele Hasselblad and Nancy Muldowney: Leadership Health Care Cohort

Written by Nashville Health Care Council | Sep 23, 2024 3:45:00 PM

Leadership Health Care (LHC), a Nashville Health Care Council program for emerging leaders, Cohorts provide the participants an opportunity to engage in a peer mentoring program facilitated by an experienced healthcare executive. Throughout six cohort sessions, participants discuss substantive topics around a common focus area to enhance their knowledge and leadership skills.

Highlighting Operational Challenges and Innovations in Ambulatory Care

The Nashville Health Care Council recently hosted an enlightening LHC cohort session, featuring Michele Hasselblad, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer for Adult Ambulatory Operations at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), and Nancy Muldowney, Clinical Nurse Manager – BCBST, Provider Network Management. This session offered a deep dive into the operational challenges of ambulatory care, providing participants with invaluable insights from these esteemed professionals.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Scope of Ambulatory Operations

Michele Hasselblad provided an overview of the expansive role of overseeing more than 400 clinics and ambulatory centers throughout Middle Tennessee, which collectively serve more than three million patients each year. She stressed the necessity for a cohesive integration of primary, specialty, and surgical care to enhance patient experiences and ensure continuity of care.

The need for this integration is vital because it creates a more seamless patient journey, reducing fragmentation between different types of care. When primary, specialty, and surgical teams work cohesively, patients experience fewer delays in treatment, better communication across their healthcare providers, and more coordinated care plans. This ultimately leads to better health outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, and fewer gaps in treatment, as all parts of the healthcare system are aligned to meet the patient's needs comprehensively.

2. Behavioral Health in Ambulatory Settings

A significant focus of the session was the increasing demand for behavioral health services within ambulatory care environments. Hasselblad introduced a VUMC-developed algorithm utilized by nurses to assess behavioral health risks, particularly for patients at risk of suicide. This algorithm ensures a uniform approach to care, regardless of the patient's mode of contact—be it in-person visits, call centers, or online patient portals. Nancy Muldowney emphasized the role of primary care providers in proactively identifying and addressing behavioral health needs through initial screenings and subsequent follow-ups.
Many clinics have struggled with depression screening due to a lack of resources for patients who test positive. This challenge is particularly acute when patients exhibit suicidal ideation, raising concerns about appropriate responses and resources. By embedding mental health support into these specialized programs, we enhance our ability to manage diverse patient needs effectively.

During the discussion, the challenge of addressing behavioral health needs without immediate access to specialized care was highlighted. In this context, Muldowney spoke about the AbleTo app as a valuable tool. AbleTo is an application designed to manage mild to moderate behavioral health needs, particularly useful for adolescents, a group with rising demands for behavioral health services. The app helps bridge the gap by providing accessible, on-the-go support and resources, which is particularly beneficial for managing behavioral health issues in populations with limited access to traditional care settings.

3. Staff Retention and Leadership Development

Hasselblad also shared innovative strategies to enhance staff retention, particularly for entry-level clinical workers, such as implementing mentorship programs and providing opportunities for continuing education. Both Hasselblad and Muldowney highlighted the critical role of strong leadership in fostering a supportive work environment and encouraged cohort participants to pursue leadership opportunities within their own careers.

Addressing Behavioral Health Needs: A Deeper Dive

The Q&A session delved into the operational aspects of behavioral health care. Participants inquired about whether VUMC utilizes specialized teams for these patients or a "utility nurse" model. Hasselblad clarified that while VUMC does not explicitly advertise behavioral health services, patients can access these services through various touchpoints, including the nurse call center, patient portals, or during in-person visits. All staff members are trained to use the same algorithm to ensure consistent care, and any identified behavioral health risks are documented for ongoing management.

The discussion also addressed the challenge of providing behavioral health care to patients with limited access to specialists. Tools such as the AbleTo app were highlighted as effective solutions for managing mild to moderate behavioral health needs, particularly among adolescents with rising demand. The app's ability to provide real-time support and resources helps mitigate the gap in care availability and supports proactive management of behavioral health issues.

The LHC cohort session with Michele Hasselblad and Nancy Muldowney underscored the complexities involved in ambulatory care and the critical importance of addressing behavioral health needs within these settings. As Nashville continues to establish itself as a leading hub for healthcare innovation, initiatives like the LHC cohort play a pivotal role in shaping future healthcare leaders and ensuring the city remains at the forefront of healthcare excellence.

The Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders

Leadership Health Care’s mission is to cultivate talented healthcare professionals into the industry leaders of tomorrow. LHC aims to provide young professionals with ongoing opportunities to develop their knowledge of the healthcare industry through educational events and networking opportunities. Fill out this form to learn more about LHC.

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