title: Implementation of a Reverse Colocation Model: Lessons from Two Community Behavioral Health Agencies in Rural Pennsylvania.
abstract: This qualitative study examined the implementation of a reverse colocation pilot program that sought to integrate medical care in two community behavioral health agencies. To accomplish this, each agency hired a registered nurse, provided training for its staff to function as wellness coaches, and implemented a web-based tool for tracking consumer outcomes. The findings from two rounds of stakeholder discussions and consumer focus groups suggested that agencies successfully trained their staffs in wellness coaching, integrated nurses into agency functions, developed integrated care planning processes, and increased awareness of wellness among staff and consumers. Similar to other complex interventions, the agencies experienced challenges including difficulty establishing new procedures and communication protocols, discomfort among staff in addressing physical health concerns, difficulty building collaborative relationships with primary care providers, and modest uptake of the web-based tool. The study offers insights into the practical aspects of integrating care and makes recommendations for future efforts.
authors: Mathematica Policy Research, P.O. Box 2393, Princeton, NJ, 08543-2393, USA. agerolamo@mathematica-mpr.com.|Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing, 130 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA. agerolamo@mathematica-mpr.com.
authors: Angela M
authors: AM
authors: Gerolamo
authors: Mathematica Policy Research, P.O. Box 2393, Princeton, NJ, 08543-2393, USA.
authors: Jung Y
authors: JY
authors: Kim
authors: Mathematica Policy Research, 1100 1st Street NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC, 20002-4221, USA.
authors: Jonathan D
authors: JD
authors: Brown
authors: Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Insurance Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Schuster
authors: Center for High-Value Health Care, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Kogan
mesh_terms: D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010560:Personnel Selection