Joint Care Planning and Communication Tools
- 10 minutes

Effective collaboration between EDs and pediatricians is essential for improving outcomes for children and adolescents facing mental and behavioral health crises. PMHCAs can utilize the resources provided in this section to enhance coordination across different care settings. This includes practical tools, templates, and shared learning strategies that foster unified care, quicker response times, and improved follow-up outcomes. These strategies empower both ED and primary care teams to collaborate more efficiently, thereby strengthening the overall pediatric healthcare system. PMHCAs act as crucial connectors between EDs and primary care providers, facilitating a more responsive and coordinated system of care.
When pediatricians and ED teams coordinate care, children in crisis experience faster stabilization, more personalized support, and fewer repeat visits. This section offers shared planning templates, structured handoff checklists, and collaborative care agreements to ensure no child slips through the cracks.
PMHCAs are uniquely positioned to support EDs with flexible, role-specific education strategies that fit within the fast-paced, 24/7 clinical environment. By customizing content for nurses, physicians, and unlicensed staff and delivering it through quick, accessible formats like pre-shift huddles, standing meetings, and virtual sessions, PMHCAs can ensure all staff, including night and weekend teams, receive the same essential training.