Improving Access and Building Behavioral Health Capacity Through Telehealth and Teleconsultation: Lessons from Mississippi and New Mexico
Date: November 18, 2015
Time: 3:00-4:00pm
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Workforce shortages and other resource constraints directly impact access to behavioral health care. In recent years, states have increasingly turned to telehealth and teleconsultation programs to build provider capacity and increase access for bothbehavioral and physical health services. Although more research is required, early evidence indicates that these programs result in equal or better care when compared to traditional in-person services and may result in cost savings. During this webinar, attendees hear from leaders from two nationally-acclaimed programs, including the Center for Telehealth at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Project ECHO. Discussion includes overviews of each program, including identification of best practices, lessons learned, and key takeaways for state policymakers. Audience Q&A follows.
Moderator:
- Pamela Riley, MD, Assistant Vice President, Delivery System Reform, The Commonwealth Fund
Speakers:
- Kristi Henderson, DNP, Chief Telehealth & Innovation Officer, University of Mississippi Medical Center
- Miriam Komaromy, MD, Associate Director, Project ECHO
This webinar is supported by The Commonwealth Fund.
For more information on this topic, please see the following issue brief.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
