AHA, NQF release new resource on telebehavioral health

The AHA and the National Quality Forum today released a guide to help hospitals and health systems working to deliver innovative, high-quality telebehavioral health services. The guide offers actionable strategies and interventions to improve patient outcomes and enhance access to behavioral health care. An estimated 44 million Americans have a behavioral health disorder, fewer than half of whom receive the treatment they need.
 
“Telebehavioral health expands access, improves outcomes and lowers costs,” said Andrew Shin, chief operating officer of the AHA Center for Health Innovation. “Whether a hospital or health system is starting a new service or strengthening existing programs, this guide provides practical guidance for scaling and sustaining innovative models for behavioral health.”
 
The groups released the guide today at NQF’s annual conference in Washington, D.C.
 
“This guide is unique because it is informed by perspectives across clinical care, technology, strategy and implementation,” said Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., NQF president and CEO. “It gives C-suite leaders, managers and front-line staff the strategies, interventions and tools needed to make smart decisions, take actionable steps and deliver quality behavioral health care to patients.”
 
For additional AHA telehealth resources, visit https://www.aha.org/center/emerging-issues/market-insights/telehealth.