Monitoring Adoption and Measuring Success

Sustaining the Work for Long-Term Impact and Success

To sustain change, teams need evidence to support their efforts. PMHCAs can lead by using data, real-time feedback, and narratives to show improvements in care, provider confidence, and system efficiency. This framework supports continuous evaluation and positions your work for future investment.

Framework for Evaluation

  • Define Your Strategic Aim
    • Set a focused goal such as improving access, quality, or efficiency in pediatric emergency mental health.
    • Use a logic model to link toolkit interventions to measurable outcomes

  • Measure What Matters
    • Clinical Outcomes: Percentage screened, appropriate referrals, follow-up timing
    • Optimal Access: Coverage in rural and under-resourced areas, youth screening rates across demographics
    • Provider Experience: Percentage trained, confidence scores, and consult satisfaction
    • System Efficiency: Fewer psych holds, shorter ED LOS, fewer repeat visits
    • Patient and Family Experience: Satisfaction levels, follow-up adherence, and reported barriers

  • Support Ongoing Quality Improvement
    • Use PSDA cycles for tools and workflows
    • Develop driver diagrams aligning emergency management care with PMCHA support
    • Share lessons learned in regular forums

  • Collect and Share Data
    • Gather data regularly from EMRs, logs, or surveys
    • Use dashboards to visualize adoption and identify gaps

  • Tell the Story
    • Pair numbers with case studies, family quotes, and staff testimonials
    • Create briefs and presentations tailored to funders

  • Align with Sustainability Goals
    • Compare supported vs non-supported sites
    • Show cost savings from reduced repeat visits and efficient referrals
    • Connect program outcomes with broader priorities

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