Real-life issues do not usually fit neatly into one category. In my experience, people's mental and physical health are connected. Stress, when accumulated, may manifest physically. Trauma can alter sleep, and anxiety can be a complicating factor in someone's ability to maintain their routine. Depression can reduce someone's motivation to achieve or maintain their own health-related goals. As an integrated behavioral care provider, I take a complete view of a person's needs, addressing all aspects of their health rather than focusing on a single symptom.
In my role as a provider in integrated behavioral health at SiLou Health, I serve as the bridge between the medical and emotional/behavioral sides of health care. I work closely with Primary Care Providers, Specialists, Nurses, Case Managers, and Family Members to ensure that behavioral health is incorporated into the treatment plan from the start. Recently, I was working with a patient who had Diabetes and Chronic Anxiety; by applying behavioral strategies to her medical care, we were able to treat both of her mood symptoms and her compliance with her complicated treatment regimen. Coordinated, consistent, and Practical Support is what patients receive, sparing them the time and energy required to establish new therapeutic relationships.
My passion for integrated behavioral health has developed after seeing the negative impact of fragmented care, which leaves patients feeling lost and uncertain. Many patients are dealing with multiple issues at once, including chronic illness and family stress, and many times these issues are dealt with separately in different appointments. Integrated care allows us to create a cohesive treatment plan, build a team around each patient, and provide the practical, real-world support needed.
The DBH program is allowing me to develop the skills needed for an integrated approach of care in a way that makes sense to me, is supportive, and is applicable to the real world. I am learning to view each individual holistically, create treatment plans focused on specific areas of concern, use short-term strategies that really do make a difference in daily life, and collaborate with multiple providers so individuals can be treated without feeling they are being passed from provider to provider. I am also developing my ability to lead, communicate within interdisciplinary teams, and close gaps that frequently delay progress. The success of integrated care stems from its enabling individuals to feel greater support, greater involvement in their care plan, and greater confidence in their ability to move forward with their lives.
The most significant advantage of coordinated healthcare is the ease of the experience for the individual as a whole. It provides the opportunity to develop an individualized treatment plan that is consistent across all aspects of their care, as well as to establish a consistent follow-up process. Coordinated healthcare also creates opportunities for individuals to better manage long-term health issues and changes during times of significant change, eliminating the need to schedule multiple separate provider visits. The coordinated nature of the healthcare system is also beneficial to patients' families, as it creates a collaborative environment that provides access to additional resources and support.
I am committed to both knowledge and kindness as I provide thoughtful, unhurried care and focus on building trust and creating practical, step-by-step plans to promote stability. My goal is to help bring calmness to chaotic situations and to make mental health care accessible and relatable to everyone.
Elisabeth Borno, MSc, MPA, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC
