PARTNER

MUSC PARTNER Program

Overview

The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse TechNology Enhanced Residency (PARTNER) program addresses the pressing need for mental health providers in South Carolina by growing the behavioral health workforce and enhancing the skills of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to serve communities with limited access to care, including those in rural areas. This innovative program integrates behavioral health care into primary care settings using a collaborative care model, providing direct patient care and advanced clinical training for PMHNPs. By doing so, the program improves access to mental health services and enhances patient outcomes.

Integrated Collaborative Care Model

The collaborative care model (CoCM) employed by PARTNER enhances access and expands the capacity of behavioral health providers. Key features include:

• Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care: Patients are referred by primary care providers to PARTNER PMHNPs for comprehensive assessments and evidence-based recommendations. These recommendations are communicated to primary care providers, who maintain decision-making authority and manage patient treatment plans.
• Telepsychiatry Services: The program uses direct-to-consumer video conferencing platforms to provide psychiatric consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits and supporting rural primary care practices.
• Focus on Collaboration: PARTNER emphasizes the relationship between patients and their primary care providers, with mental health providers serving as consultants to enhance care delivery.

Training & Upskilling for PMHNPs

PARTNER provides a 13-month advanced clinical training experience for newly graduated (PMHNPs. This unique opportunity enhances competency and confidence in delivering integrated mental health care.

Program Goals

• Program Goals Increase Access to Care: Expand evidence-based behavioral health services within primary care using an integrated collaborative care model.
• Upskill PMHNPs: Enhance PMHNP knowledge, confidence, and autonomy in delivering collaborative care in communities.
• Develop a Skilled Workforce: Increase the number of highly skilled PMHNPs serving in community-based and primary care settings.
• Promote Behavioral Health: Leverage collaborative care and telehealth to improve access in communities with limited health care.
  

Partnerships & Commitment

PARTNER is a collaboration between the MUSC Center for Telehealth and the Institute of Psychiatry dedicated to advancing clinical training and expanding access to behavioral health services across South Carolina.

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