Practical Tools for Behavioral Health Staff Supporting the Medical Care of People with Serious Mental Illness-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The webinar, led by Dr. John Kern and hosted by Amy Cohen, focused on practical tools for behavioral health staff aiding the medical care of individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI). The session emphasized the role of case managers in supporting medical care without directly treating the conditions. Dr. Kern highlighted the importance of relationships in facilitating health behavior changes and managing cardiovascular risks in patients with SMI, including hypertension and diabetes.<br /><br />Attendees learned about utilizing job aids and pocket tools to efficiently interact with primary care providers. Dr. Kern stressed the importance of small, meaningful behavior changes to encourage healthier lifestyles, reinforcing that motivation and tiny steps lead to substantial improvements over time. The session also touched on leveraging resources like motivational interviewing and using peers or family members to aid in client healthcare interactions.<br /><br />The Q&A session addressed effective communication with resistant clients, establishing productive relationships with primary care, and using motivational interviewing to encourage patient cooperation. Attendees valued the practical pocket tool provided, with several noting its utility in enhancing client interactions with healthcare providers.

Keywords

behavioral health

serious mental illnesses

case managers

health behavior changes

cardiovascular risks

motivational interviewing

primary care interaction

pocket tools

client communication