Could COVID-19 Force Health Systems to Reprioritize Mental Health?

The operations of hospitals and health systems are being tested in unprecedented ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations are facing structural, financial and even regulatory challenges as they attempt to navigate not only the current landscape, but as they prepare for a new healthcare reality in a post-pandemic world. This new reality will require a renewed focus on mental health treatment as an integrated component of care due to the potential impact on patient volume as well as acuity. These factors, if not addressed proactively, can result in even more overburdened hospital staff and workflows.