Behavioral Health Services with Short-Stay Residents in Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Qualitative Study of Clinicians and Administrators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives The perspectives of professionals involved in behavioral health (BH) services with short-stay residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are rarely captured in the literature. This study examines the real-world experiences of BH clinicians and administrators in post-acute/subacute care units in SNFs. Methods This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 18 clinicians (e.g., psychologists and social workers) and five administrators (e.g., directors of social services or BH company executives) involved in BH services with short-stay SNF residents. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by two independent coders using conventional thematic content analysis. Results Three themes emerged from the data: (1) BH needs are high among short-stay residents and families during post-acute care transitions; (2) BH services offer multiple unique opportunities to enhance post-acute/subacute care in SNFs; and (3) barriers to providing optimal BH care exist at multiple levels and require action from BH clinicians and stakeholders. Conclusions Variability in clinician roles and barriers to optimized care suggest the need for future research targeting best practices and implementation strategies for BH services with short-stay SNF residents. Clinical Implications Results identified multiple ways in which BH services may enhance resident, family, and staff outcomes, as well as the milieu in SNFs.