Behavioral health providers are needed today more than ever, and treatment options are constantly being sought to support patients. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are increasingly being considered because these programs bridge the gap between outpatient services and inpatient care and many times work well for individuals who do not require round-the-clock support. Participants can continue their daily lives and live at home but still receive intensive treatment.
A typical IOP provides 9 to 12 hours of therapy per week, often including a combination of group, individual, and family therapy. PHPs provide more intensive daily care (25 to 30 hours per week), medication management and educational support, and patients also go home at night. Individuals may enter an IOP or PHP because they have difficulty coping with a life crisis or have difficulty with self-care and activities of daily living due to depression or anxiety. These programs also facilitate patients' return to the community after inpatient behavioral health care.
Such treatment models offer greater access to mental health support, but providers need to consider some nuances when it comes to maintaining engagement and helping patients complete treatment.
The importance of patient retention
Patient retention and engagement are key to the success of these programs. Dropout rates can be high, with the national average in the first three weeks ranging from 30-50%. For teenagers, the numbers are even higher, with 70% leaving treatment early. Encouraging consistent participation is another core element in achieving positive clinical outcomes. On the patient side, completing treatment reduces the risk of recurrence. On the provider side, strong retention means more consistent caseloads, better resource allocation and stronger financial performance.
Key factors leading to dropout
People often abandon treatment before completing their treatment plan for a variety of reasons. In some cases, people leave because of challenges related to treatment. Examples of this include inconsistencies between plans and patient expectations.
The inability to take time off or take time off is another factor that affects retention rates. Because these programs allow individuals to continue their daily lives during treatment, extensive pre-planning is required to take time away from work or school. In intensive outpatient programs, the help of family and friends is critical to short- and long-term success.
Although mental health has come a long way, stigma still persists. According to the American Psychological Association, 85% of adults still believe the term “mental health” carries a stigma. 35% admitted they would view people with mental health issues differently.
In order to build a successful IOP/PHP program, here are practical strategies for dealing with these challenges.
Build a strong engagement base
Providing a welcoming environment during the admission and onboarding process is critical to patient retention. It sets the tone for the program and provides a supportive environment for those seeking treatment.
Some best practices for staying engaged throughout these programs are to outline clear goals, structure, and expectations from the beginning. Introducing employees and colleagues immediately will build trust and foster a sense of comfort and belonging. Patients are more likely to feel engaged when they understand what to expect and how the program works. It is important that providers make it a priority to inform patients about available resources and elements of an IOP/PHP support system. A good start with clear communication from the beginning will enhance support and motivation to complete the program.
Emphasis on comprehensive and personalized care
Because everyone has different goals for success, providers must work with patients to develop an individual plan that is highly tailored to their needs. Everyone needs a different combination of treatments, and IOP/PHP provides family, individual, peer support, and more to help them achieve positive outcomes. Ensuring that the plan tracks specific, measurable goals will provide accountability and enable patients to participate in recovery. With nothing to work toward, patients may lose sight of the end goal and quit.
Support ongoing engagement with consistency and predictability
Even entering an IOP/PHP program can be difficult for many people, and a consistent schedule and routine are key components in helping patients integrate treatment into their lives. Having concurrent sessions throughout treatment helps individuals organize their schedules to meet required program elements. This is especially important for IOP/PHP as patients incorporate them into their daily lives in addition to their regular responsibilities.
Integrate technology
Simplifying and automating program components through the EHR can positively enhance the overall experience. EHR functionality helps patients stay organized with automated appointment reminders and a portal with a care dashboard that provides clear feedback on improvements and progress tracking. All of this enhances engagement and builds confidence.
Providers leveraging data generated by electronic medical records can identify disengaged patients, remind them to reach out and provide proactive support. Combining technology with human factors can help engage patients in IOP and PHP programs to achieve positive outcomes.
Patient engagement is the key to real, lasting improvement and success. Build strong relationships, promote trust and encourage meaningful progress, leading to better results. Combining these options with the efficiency of technology can create a more stable environment that greatly improves patients' chances of completing treatment.
Photo: z_wei, Getty Images
Ram Krishnan joined Valant in 2020 as an experienced technology executive to lead the organization through its next phase of growth. His passion for listening to customers and building strong teams, coupled with his demonstrated ability to drive scalability, provides Valant with a solid foundation to build upon as it looks for new ways to serve the behavioral healthcare market.
Ram’s extensive experience begins at General Electric, where he graduated from the Information Management Leadership Program and went on to lead the global radiology and services business unit. After nearly 15 years at GE, he went on to lead multiple SaaS businesses through critical growth phases. Ram graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in systems engineering and received an MBA from the University of Chicago. When he's not working, he enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, playing a little guitar, and spending time with his wife and three children.
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