Learn More.pdf

Context:
Douglas County, Nebraska, serves as the state's most populated local government, providing extensive health and human services through its Youth Detention and Behavioral Health Center (YDCBHC). The center cares for adolescents aged 8-18 with complex healthcare challenges.

Challenges:
- Patients present with a wide range of medical and behavioral health issues, including chronic diseases and congenital problems.
- Limited on-site clinical staff, many of whom are contract providers, hinders comprehensive care coordination.
- The pandemic exacerbated communication and care coordination issues, prompting Douglas County leaders to seek a better solution.

Solution:
Douglas County implemented Backline as a secure messaging platform for YDCBHC during the pandemic's early days. Key features include group chat and 1:1 SMS texting.

Results:
- Improved Communication: Care staff noticed an immediate positive shift in their communication dynamics, fostering more productive collaboration.
- Increased Efficiency: Reduced lead times for patient consults, faster scheduling, and quicker specialist consultations led to a significant rise in daily patient visits (from 10 to 20).
- Streamlined Workflow: Less time spent on paperwork and emails allowed staff to focus more on patient care.
- Improved Care Outcomes: Better communication facilitated quicker medication turnaround times and crisis interventions, enhancing overall patient outcomes.
- Future-Proofing: Backline prepared Douglas County for its next technological step: implementing an electronic health record (EHR) system later in the year.