Evernorth Research Institute, part of Evernorth, the Cigna Group’s health services division, examined claims data from more than 6 million people between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2022. The study found that behavioral health claims increased 4 percent during that period.
Along with various financial barriers to accessing behavioral healthcare, over 150 million people live in areas experiencing a shortage in psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers, the Advisory Board reported.
Once patients are able to receive care, there are critical factors that go into ensuring the treatment is effective, according to Doug Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health quality, integration and clinical operations at Evernorth.
Here are four steps to see measurable outcomes in a behavioral health system, according to the study:
- Connect with patients early on.
First and foremost, behavioral health professionals must identify the reason for care. Patient self-identification, provider referrals, online resources or using artificial intelligence predictions to be proactive in identifying a patient’s needs are ways to jumpstart the treatment process. Once the patient’s needs are identified, providers should adopt a personalized approach to engage with them and gain insights into their preferences and clinical desires.
- Use available tools to make personalized treatment recommendations.
Behavioral healthcare is specific to each individual’s needs. Providers should focus on using meaningful data, personalized screening tools, and machine learning techniques to reveal which treatment methods will allow the best quality and financial outcomes for each individual.
- Offer tools to help patients find a compatible provider.
Positive behavioral health outcomes largely depend on the patient-to-provider relationship. Measurement-based provider matching looks into the demographic or personal experience preferences a patient has for their chosen provider. The matching process increases the likelihood of patients staying with their provider and seeing positive outcomes, according to the research.
- Track measurable data and adjust treatment as needed.
Measuring qualitative and quantitative data will allow for the best outcomes. Observing the duration of care, medication consistency, evidence-based screening, overall expenses and the patients’ overall quality of life will tell the provider what needs to be adjusted in the future to see favorable results.
