TEAMSS Project Background

The Transformative & Evidence-based Approaches to Mental health & Substance use Screening (TEAMSS) project core components included the use of quality improvement methods and clinician training focused on improving provider knowledge and confidence on appropriate screening and follow-up. The AAP employed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Breakthrough Series Collaborative Model, adapting its implementation to a virtual format, with practice sites conducting Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) rapid cycle testing to assess and implement practice and physician level changes. Additionally, this multidisciplinary approach included recommended interventions developed by substance use and mental health experts at the AAP and incorporated recommendations in the AAP Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention. The aim of the Transformative & Evidence-based Approaches to Mental health & Substance use Screening (TEAMSS) project was to support pediatric practices in establishing knowledge and processes to improve screening and follow up for substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk at adolescent well visits. Crucially, the TEAMSS project emphasized realistic and complementary mental health screening practices for real world clinics by utilizing quality improvement strategies to build upon successful workflows, encouraging pediatric teams to consider substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk as interrelated.  

The figure below visually describes the format and timeline of the TEAMSS project.  

The TEAMSS project was funded generously by an independent grant from the Elevance Health Foundation, Inc. Learn more about Elevance Health Foundation