Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/961245
161 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Dr. Anthony Tersigni: Healthcare leaders must address behavioral health disparities By Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, President and CEO of Ascension T he shooting in Park- land, Fla., yet another in a seemingly end- less string of mass shootings, again leaves a communi- ty reeling with loss and sorrow. And it leaves the rest of the nation won- dering: What can be done to keep our nation safer and end this violence once and for all? e national discussion is focused, in part, on regulating firearms and access to weapons in American households. Healthcare industry leaders must continue to be part of these con- versations and a voice in framing one of the critical underlying factors behind violence us- ing guns and other means—namely, barriers to treatment of behavioral health diseases, partic- ularly missed opportunities to improve access to mental and behavioral healthcare. We prioritize cardiac disease, cancer preven- tion and other treatable or preventable dis- eases that take American lives too soon. If I told you that one-fih of adult Americans had some form of bone disease, there would be a public outcry to dramatically ramp up all research and treatment for it. Well, approxi- mately one in five U.S. adults are affected by a mental illness as reported by the National Al- liance of Mental Illness. As a nation, we must fully acknowledge that mental and behavioral health disorders require the same attention and resources as any other pervasive disease. Behavioral health diseases are oen progres- sive, and delayed treatment has consequences that extend far beyond our healthcare system. It prolongs unimaginable pain for those who need care, unnecessarily burdens our justice system and leaves society asking why unspeak- able events such as the mass shooting in Park- land continue. As part of our mission at Ascension, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, per- sonalized care for body, mind and spirit — es- pecially for people living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Across our 2,500 sites of care, we are integrating behavioral healthcare into the primary care setting through the addition of clinical specialists focused on patients' men- tal and behavioral health needs. Our treatment programs for those in need of mental and behavioral healthcare have also ex- panded to telehealth services that serve individ- uals in any setting, right where they are and right when it's needed. Our research also analyzes the social determinants of behavioral health issues to best understand risk factors so we can incor- porate the findings into our care plans. Mass shootings demand our dedication, action and candid discussion about all components contributing to these tragedies. Healthcare and legislative leaders across America have a responsibility to respond effectively with thoughtful and effective solutions to behavior- al health disparities. Unfortunately, national legislation and re- sources are failing to address the great need for mental health solutions. To achieve an effective national health system, we need leg- islative solutions that support mental health initiatives –for example, ensuring that states require health insurance to provide full cov- erage for mental health conditions. Increasing access, availability, affordability and aware- ness of mental health resources should be one of our highest priorities as we consider how we will respond to continuing violence in our schools and communities. We cannot wait for another devastating event to create genuine transformation so that these senseless tragedies become a thing of the past. Everyone has a part to play, and we need an all-out effort to make it happen. Congress must act to make our communities safer and create greater access to mental and behavioral treat- ment. And healthcare leaders have an obliga- tion to commit time, resources and expertise to expand care to those who need it. Together, we have a responsibility to address the problems contributing to the deadly attacks in Parkland, Las Vegas, Orlando, Newtown and elsewhere. n 3 questions with Woman's Hospital President and CEO Teri Fontenot T eri Fontenot, FACHE, serves as president and CEO for Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. Ms. Fontenot is a keynote speak- er at the Becker's Hospital Review 9th Annual Meeting. As part of an ongoing series, Becker's inter- viewed healthcare leaders who are speakers at the conference April 11-14 in Chicago. Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Question: Who or what are the disruptors that have your attention? Why? Teri Fontenot: I think the most disruptive forces in health- care today are technology-based, but the speed in which it is being adopted is what has grabbed my attention. Use of digital technology to monitor patients at home, intervening in a timely manner to address potential health events and the accelerating pace of acceptance of virtual visits by con- sumers and physicians are exciting. The notion that Apple and other innovators in technology will soon offer a cloud- based EHR will be a real game-changer by making health information easier to access, allowing patients to manage their medical records and lowering the cost to providers. Q: What did you notice about your healthcare expe- rience the last time you were at the receiving end as a patient? TF: I'm pleased to say that the care was compassion- ate, prompt and professional, and a full recovery was achieved! But, it was so hard to observe firsthand how incredibly inefficient our health systems remain. The ad- mission was after hours, and some imaging and lab work had been done at an outpatient center earlier in the day.