title: The South West Local Health Integration Network Behavioural Supports Ontario Experience.
abstract: Creating a seamless system of care with improved system and patient outcomes is imperative to the estimated 35,000 older adults living with mental health problems and addictions in the South West Local Health Integration Network. Building on existing investments and those offered through the Behavioural Supports Ontario program, strategies to improve system coordination were put in place, cross-sectoral partnerships were fostered, interdisciplinary teams from across the care continuum were linked, and educational opportunities were promoted. This evolving, co-created system has resulted in a decrease in alternate level of care cases among those with behavioural specialized needs and improved client/family perceptions of care. Also, in fiscal year 2014/15, it provided more than 7,000 care providers with learning opportunities.
authors: Associate scientist with the Lawson Health Research Institute; an Assistant Professor with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University; and Director of Research and Evaluation, Specialized Geriatric Services, St. Joseph's Health Care London, in London, Ontario.
authors: Iris
authors: I
authors: Gutmanis
authors: Director of Mental Health Specialty Programs, St. Joseph's Health Care London, in London, Ontario.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Speziale
authors: Geriatric psychiatrist in the Regional Psychogeriatric Program and Physician Leader for the Geriatric Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Health Care London, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, in London, Ontario.
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Van Bussel
authors: Team lead for System Design and Integration, South West Local Health Integration Network, in London, Ontario.
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Girard
authors: Research associate with Specialized Geriatric Services, St. Joseph's Health Care London, in London, Ontario.
authors: Loretta
authors: L
authors: Hillier
authors: Project lead for Behavioural Supports Ontario, St. Joseph's Health Care London, in London, Ontario.
authors: Kelly
authors: K
authors: Simpson
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D001523:Mental Disorders; D009864:Ontario; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D012944:Social Support