Addressing the multifaceted nature of patients’ wellbeing requires an understanding of the value of integrated medical and behavioral health care in providing holistic and high-quality patient care. This activity will delve into the significance of combined physical and behavioral health treatments on patient outcomes and discuss the key components of evidence-based integrated behavioral health models. Participants will also examine hurdles to adopting these integrated models, including systemic and cultural barriers, to better enable them to advocate for and navigate the provision of whole-person health care.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are commonly utilized for the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of pulmonary conditions. However, the inclusion of race in the reporting and interpretation of PFT results introduces the potential to contribute to health disparities and amplify race-based health inequities. This activity aims to enhance participants’ comprehension of race-based adjustments in clinical algorithms and increase competency in race-neutral and impartial interpretation of PFTs. The faculty speaker for this webcast, Dr. Nirav Bhakta, served as the co-chair of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) workshop responsible for shaping the 2023 ATS statement on race in PFT interpretation. Drawing upon his extensive expertise as a pulmonologist and his pivotal role in the formulation of these new ATS guidelines, Dr. Bhakta will delve into the historical context behind race-specific PFTs, address the rationale behind the shift and review the pivotal aspects and implications of adopting a race-neutral approach.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as by impulsivity across a wide range of situations. BPD is often underrecognized and underdiagnosed. This activity will provide an update for clinicians on issues related to the prevalence, diagnosis, recognition, documentation, course, and treatment of BPD. A discussion on the frequency of underdiagnosis BPD in clinical settings, clinically useful approaches to improve detection, how to educate patients surrounding the treatment approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and the impact it has on patients when diagnosed with BPD will also be highlighted.

Pediatric primary care has become an important venue for providing mental health services to children and adolescents. Integrated interventions with primary care providers as partners in the Medical Home Model designed to address mental health problems in pediatric health care can create optimal productivity and functionality for clinicians in joint patient care. This activity will discuss the role of effective integrated behavioral health care to aid in maximizing effectiveness and efficiency in joint visits.