Texting for Mental Health: A Case Management Approach
Cynthia Bunde, MPAS, PA-C, of the Pocatello Free Clinic received the inaugural Kathy J. Pedersen Grant to Promote Equitable Care.
Her unique pilot program used texting as the foundation for case management for uninsured patients with mental health diagnoses. The PA-led program also utilized interdisciplinary partnerships including PA, pharmacy, and social work students to deliver services in an underserved setting.
Participants completed questionnaires regarding mood rating and perceived ability to manage their condition prior to and after completing a 12-week intervention. No-show rate was also evaluated. For all three indicators, participants showed a statistically significant improvement in factors related to mental health.
Findings were presented as a poster presentation at the Idaho Public Health Association’s Collaborating for Health Conference in Boise, Idaho