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

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.