Elizabeth A. Mellin

Measuring interprofessional team collaboration in expanded school mental health: Model refinement and scale development

Expanded school mental health (ESMH) utilizes interprofessional collaboration to implement learning support and mental health promotion strategies in schools. This study reports on the early development and initial psychometric examination of a new scale, the Index of Interprofessional Team Collaboration for Expanded School Mental Health (IITC-ESMH), for measuring the functioning of interprofessional teams. Exploratory factor analysis results, using data collected from 436 members of interprofessional teams in schools, yielded a 26-item scale with a four-factor model (a) Reflection on Process, (b) Professional Flexibility, (c) Newly Created Professional Activities, and (d) Role Interdependence. Cronbachs alphas for the four factors were .91, .91, .84, and .80 respectively. The findings from this study provide evidence to support the IITC-ESMH as a reliable instrument for measuring interprofessional collaboration.

Challenges to Collaboration in School Mental Health and Strategies for Overcoming Them.

BACKGROUND This article reviews challenges to collaboration in school mental health (SMH) and presents practical strategies for overcoming them. METHODS The importance of collaboration to the success of SMH programs is reviewed, with a particular focus on collaboration between school- and community-employed professionals. Challenges to effective collaboration between school- and community-employed professionals in SMH are considered. Strategies for overcoming challenges to effective collaboration are presented. RESULTS Marginalization of the SMH agenda, limited interdisciplinary teamwork, restricted coordination mechanisms, confidentiality concerns, and resource and funding issues are key challenges to collaboration. Strategies targeted toward each of these challenges may help improve the effectiveness of SMH programs and ultimately student outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Collaboration between school- and community-employed professionals is critical to the success of SMH programs. Despite its promise, the success of SMH programs can be jeopardized by ineffective collaboration between school- and community-employed professionals. Strategies to overcome marginalization, promote authentic interdisciplinary teamwork, build effective coordination mechanisms, protect student and family confidentiality, and promote policy change and resource enhancements should be addressed in SMH improvement planning.

Unpacking Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Expanded School Mental Health: A Conceptual Model for Developing the Evidence Base

Despite its appeal and promise for addressing the multi-layered needs of young people, there is a lack of research documenting the extent to which interdisciplinary collaboration affects outcomes valued by schools, families, and communities. To address this gap in understanding, this review synthesizes the literature to consider the meaning, goals, processes, contextual influences, and anticipated outcomes of interdisciplinary collaboration in expanded school mental health. Based on this review, a conceptual model to help support the efforts of researchers, policy makers, and practitioners who are interested in understanding the relationship between interdisciplinary collaboration and outcomes is offered. Recommendations for developing the evidence base are also suggested.

Strengthening Interprofessional Team Collaboration: Potential Roles for School Mental Health Professionals

Interprofessional team collaboration is an important component of school mental health, but authentic collaboration is often difficult to achieve in practice and there is little research available to inform strategies for strengthening collaboration. Using a sample of 428 members of interprofessional teams in school mental health, this study found that teams may not prioritize the nurturing of team processes by reflecting on what is (and what is not) working. The findings suggest that physical space, time to collaborate, positive relationships between collaborators, and previous affirming experiences of collaboration influence the functioning of interprofessional teams in schools.

Exploring best practice teaming strategies among school-based teams: implications for school mental health practice and research

School-based teams are central to referrals, problem solving and decision-making in school mental health (SMH). Although the use of teams in SMH appears commonplace, research on these teams, however, is much more limited in scope. Using best practice teaming principles as a conceptual framework, this exploratory study examined the purpose, structure and function of 41 school-based service-delivery teams from 19 schools. Descriptive analyses revealed wide variations in teaming practices. Challenges related to youth and family members being involved in teams, as well as varied team leadership, were noted. In addition, teams discussed numerous topics as part of meetings. The discussion of data, however, was a topic that a limited number of teams discussed. Implications for SMH practice and research are offered.

Rehabilitation Counselor Preparation for Working with Youth with Psychiatric Disabilities.

Faculty in CORE-accredited rehabilitation counseling programs (N = 46) were surveyed to assess preparation for work with youth with psychiatric disabilities and to identify barriers to developing and maintaining a specialization focused on this population within the curriculum. Although faculty reported that students enrolled in their programs were interested in working with youth with psychiatric disabilities, there appears to be minimal attention to this area given existing curricula and clinical experiences. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing professional dialogue about graduate training and significant workforce needs that require entry-level rehabilitation counselors to expand their competence in this area.