Clinical Risk Management with Collaborative Care
As a PCP, you’re often the first line of defense when patients experience mental health emergencies. CoCM can help.
Managing clinical risk is a concern for every healthcare provider. And, primary care providers are often the first line of defense when patients have mental health emergencies or when they exhibit behaviors that raise concerns about safety. Navigating these situations can be complex - requiring both clinical expertise and careful decision making.
Fortunately, this is an area where the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) shines - and here are a few ways you can help it work for you and your patients:
Watch out for early warning signs. CoCM uses measurement-based care, which provides access to real-time and longitudinal actionable data to support informed decision-making. Watch for changes in mood, behavior, or communication that might signal escalating risk. You can use standardized risk assessment tools available through Mirah and share observations with your team promptly.
Lean on your team. You have the support of an entire team, including a care manager and psychiatric consultant. Your patients will experience increased support by having multiple touchpoints with their care manager in addition to you. Consult your CoCM team's designated mental health specialists with questions; they are there to provide expert guidance and intervention strategies.
Record timely, accurate documentation. All CoCM activities, including face-to-face and “behind the scenes” encounters (such as warm handoffs and consultations) should be documented in the patient’s health record, creating a clear and accurate record of the patient’s care and decisions related to their care plan. Ensure timely updates and clear communication within your team. Timely documentation means you can also view the Care Manager’s updates in the patient chart, which can support your assessment and decision making.
Engage your patient in their own care. Engage in open communication. Explore their concerns and preferences, building a shared decision-making process within the boundaries of safety. CoCM patients are considered a core member of their own treatment team, increasing treatment engagement and likelihood of follow-through with recommendations - such as medication adherence. Engaging patients in their care plan reduces clinical risk and enables a collaborative environment when emergencies do arise.
While CoCM is not designed to provide ongoing behavioral healthcare for patients with chronic and severe symptoms, it offers an effective solution to address many of the challenges inherent in caring for patients who present with clinical risk factors.
Remember, you are not alone. Your CoCM team is your expert partner in navigating crisis and clinical risk. Together, you can ensure the safety of your patients while delivering quality care.
