Integration Outcomes
🧠🩺 Uncontrolled Diabetes & Treatment Resistance
The Challenge
A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes was:
- Overwhelmed
- Non-adherent to treatment
- Unsure how to manage lifestyle changes
The provider recognized the patient was not failing medically they were struggling behaviorally
Integrated Care Intervention
During the visit, the provider initiated a warm handoff.
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC):
- Met the patient immediately in the exam room
- Helped process emotional response to diagnosis
- Identified barriers to adherence
- Created a simple, realistic behavioral plan
What Changed for the Patient
✔ Patient felt supported not dismissed
✔ Left with a clear, manageable plan
✔ Increased confidence in managing condition
System Impact (Secondary Outcome)
• Reduced repeat visits for same issue
• Improved adherence to medical plan
• Provider able to focus on medical care
Key Insight
The patient didn’t need more instructions
they needed behavioral support in the moment.
👉 This is behavioral health working in real time, not delayed care
😢 Sudden Patient Loss & Family, Staff Impact
Patient-Centered Reality
A patient with chronic illness passed away unexpectedly.
Impact included:
- Emotional distress for family
- Emotional strain on staff who knew the patient
- Providers carrying grief into patient care
Integrated Care Response
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC):
- Provided immediate support to family when present
- Supported staff in processing grief
- Helped providers regulate emotional impact
What This Meant for Patients
✔ Remaining patients still received focused, quality care
✔ Emotional distress did not transfer into other patient visits
✔ Clinic maintained compassionate, stable environment
System Impact
- Prevented emotional disruption of care delivery
- Maintained continuity of care for all patients
Key Insight
Integrated care supports not just individual patients but the environment every patient walks into.
👉 We don’t just support patients we support the entire system during crisis
🚨PATIENT WITH ANXIETY AFFECTING HEALTH
Patient-Centered Problem
A patient with hypertension continued to have elevated readings despite medication.
Further discussion revealed:
- High stress levels
- Poor sleep
- Anxiety impacting physical health
Integrated Intervention
Through a warm handoff:
The BHC:
- Helped patient understand mind-body connection
- Provided immediate stress-reduction techniques
- Created a short-term behavioral plan
Patient Outcome
✔ Reduced anxiety symptoms
✔ Improved engagement in care
✔ Better understanding of their condition
System Impact
- Improved treatment effectiveness
- Reduced repeated uncontrolled visits
Key Insight
The medical issue was real, but behavior was driving it.
Are You Convinced?
