Systems Navigation
“There's always so much that's going on. That's amazing. But we're not connected enough. Some of us are doing the same work in different places. We have the data technology now, we should be able to like all of this together so we all know what everyone else is doing. I know that that's a giant project, but as an example we recently gained access to EPIC, which is the hospital's medical records, and so we can read the notes. That has helped us so much in serving children. The families don't have to carry the load.” From a direct service provider focus group participant
One thing that makes providers’ jobs hard is trying to work through complicated systems. They often spend a lot of time looking for help and resources for families. It’s not easy to know what services are out there or how to get them, and it takes a lot of time. When talking about ways to fix this, many providers said they want an easier way to find and share resources between different programs and organizations. Some also wondered if technology could be used to help make this easier.
“In case management there are no standardized tools that social workers use to discern resources and services for the family and child. They are very subjective, not always evidence-based or evidence informed. It's a hot mess.” - From a direct service provider focus group participant
Call to Action
The focus groups brainstormed several actions those with authority and influence within the IECMH system can take to address System Navigation. Below are the suggestions, organized by specific roles.
Do you have additional ideas on how to to address Systems Navigation? Click here to download a blank template and track your actions!
Connection to Other Topics
The chart below shows how System Navigation is connected to other topics. The numbers show how often the topics were discussed together.
