"Improving Mental Health in Hawaii Through Patient-Centric Care Models"
Introduction
Hawaii is experiencing a growing mental health crisis as a result of structural issues, cultural variety, and remote location, which have made it difficult to get quality care. Hawaii's mental health requirements are varied and complex, ranging from underprivileged rural villages to young people dealing with serious mental health issues. Patient-centric care models are a viable way to enhance mental health outcomes as the state attempts to close gaps in its healthcare system. These models, which put the patient's needs, preferences, and values first, are especially well-suited to handle the particular difficulties that Hawaii's citizens encounter.
Understanding the Mental Health Challenge in Hawaii
Effective mental health care in Hawaii is hampered by several factors. There is a deficit of mental health specialists in rural locations, and the difficulties are exacerbated by the lengthy commute to receive therapy. Depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and chronic stress are made worse by the fact that many people in underprivileged communities lack the means or support to obtain mental health services. Furthermore, untreated or misdiagnosed problems are frequently caused by the cultural stigma associated with mental health, particularly among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures. The following are the statistics of Hawaii as per reports :
1 in 5 adults in Hawaii experience mental illness each year (Hawaii Department of Health).
10% of high school students in Hawaii have considered suicide, and 8% have made a suicide plan (Hawaii Department of Health).
41% of adults in Hawaii with mental health issues do not receive the necessary treatment (Hawaii State Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration).
Hawaii's suicide rate is about 16.7 deaths per 100,000 individuals, which is higher than the national average of 14.5 deaths per 100,000 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2019), 5% of Hawaiians aged 12 and older report using illegal drugs, which is frequently associated with mental health issues.
About 20% of Hawaiian adults report binge drinking, indicating that alcohol use is a problem that coexists with underlying mental health issues (Hawaii Department of Health).
These issues have proven difficult for the conventional fee-for-service healthcare paradigm since it pays clinicians based on the number of services they offer rather than the caliber of their care. This paradigm could be changed by value-based care, which prioritizes patient outcomes and general health improvement over the number of interventions.
The Potential of a Patient-Centric Care Model
Instead of using a "one-size-fits-all" approach to care, a patient-centric care model emphasizes each person's unique requirements, preferences, and values. This concept seeks to establish a healthcare setting where people feel heard, respected, and empowered by giving the patient's voice top priority in their care.
Adopting patient-centric care in the context of mental health in Hawaii may entail the following components
Holistic Approaches to Care
Emotional, physical, and mental health are intricately linked. Focussing on the full person, a patient-centric model would promote a balance between social support, physical fitness, mental health treatment, and nutrition. This can entail creating initiatives that tackle social isolation and promote wellness holistically.
Accessibility and Affordability
It is crucial to guarantee that all residents, irrespective of their financial situation or insurance status, have access to mental health care. A patient-centric care model aims to provide more equitable access to care by taking into consideration obstacles, including availability, cost, and transportation.
Long-Term Assistance
Receiving mental health treatment shouldn't be a one-time event. Continuity is given top priority in patient-centric care models, guaranteeing that patients have access to continuing assistance, counseling, and treatment.
Culturally Sensitive Care
It's critical to recognize and honor Hawaii's many cultural backgrounds. Combining contemporary mental health therapies with traditional healing methods. This can assist Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to feel less stigmatized and have easier access to therapy.
How Modality Global Advisors Can Assist
This is where Modality Global Advisors can play a significant role. Modality can support the creation and use of patient-centric care models in Hawaii, thanks to its experience in healthcare strategy and transformation. They are in a unique position to comprehend the complexities of mental health care and how to modify it for a local setting because of their extensive expertise in international healthcare systems.
Modality Global Advisors can help in the following ways:
Consultation and Strategy
To create culturally relevant and context-sensitive strategies, Modality can work with local stakeholders in Hawaii, such as mental health specialists, community leaders, and legislators. While modifying them to fit Hawaii's unique requirements, they can provide advice on best practices from other areas.
Integration of Technology
Modality has expertise in incorporating state-of-the-art technologies into healthcare models. They may ensure that mental health treatment is accessible even in the most remote place,s lowering the distance barrier.
Data-Driven Alternatives
Modality can contribute to a better understanding of the mental health needs in Hawaii by employing data analytics. This knowledge can then be applied to develop focused interventions and policies that deal with the most urgent problems, such as substance misuse or teenage mental health
Conclusion
A collaborative effort is needed for a long-term changeThe improvementnt of patient-centric models cannot happen overnight. This requires the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, local authorities, legislators, and groups such as Modality
