Spotlight Magellan allows coworkers to get to know one another by going beyond the surface level through facilitated discussions that delve into personal interests, experiences and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan aims to cultivate a sense of community and camaraderie across our company, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and fulfilling remote workplace culture.

This month, we’re getting to know Dr. Samuel Pullen, chief medical officer for the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan. Dr. Pullen has been with Magellan since April 2024.

Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Pullen:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

We have such a tremendous opportunity here in Idaho to improve access to high quality mental health and substance use treatment and services. I feel fortunate to have such great colleagues and because of the scope of the work, no day really feels typical. There are activities I routinely participate in to support and advanceour work. I participate in utilization management rounds and residential care rounds. Residential care rounds are led by me where initial and concurrent cases are presented for children being considered for residential care. This has been a topic of particular importance in Idaho over the last several years. I also work closely with our quality team, along with our Medical Director, Dr. Jonathan Harland. Together, we review critical incidents and cases where there might be a quality-of-care concern. I spend the rest of a typical day meeting with our clinical team during our morning huddles, meeting with providers addressing various issues, meeting with the state and working with other members of our senior leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. I also recently finished reading Fevers, Feuds and Diamonds by Dr. Paul Farmer.

Do you have a favorite recipe you love to make (or have made for you)?

I have sweet tooth, and my kids have really gotten into baking. I am usually asking them to save me some cookie dough.

What is the farthest place you’ve traveled (or would like to travel to one day)?

Greece! My wife and I vacationed in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. I would love to go to Africa one day and spend some time in Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Who (dead or alive) inspires you and why?

Dr. Paul Farmer was (and still is) someone who inspired me. If you’ve ever watched the documentary Bending the Arc or read any of his books, it’s very hard not to come away inspired and also a feeling that we have an obligation to challenge the status quo and take action where we see a need.

Catch up on previous Spotlight Magellan articles to get to know your Magellan colleagues! Read all articles here.

At a time when workplace distraction and stress have never been a greater impediment to productivity, it would be ideal to have a resource that could help employees deal with specific issues that may be holding them back in work or personal areas.

Magellan’s Wellbeing Coaching targets problem areas for employees and helps them achieve resolutions that clear the way for improved performance.

Workplace inattention

60% of employees can’t go 30 minutes without getting distracted (Fortune 2024) and employees lose over 5 work hours per week thinking about stressors (American Psychological Association).

What is Wellbeing Coaching?

This service, part of Magellan’s Employee Assistance Solution, helps employees and their family members focus on and manage challenging issues, build their resilience and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Each Magellan Wellbeing Coach is a board certified coach (BCC) through Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), and receive continual training and supervision to improve their skills and areas of expertise.

How does it work?

In confidential sessions conducted by phone or video, Wellbeing Coaches engage employees by listening and using motivational interviewing to help them clarify their goals and objectives, identify their relevant strengths and recognize potential roadblocks to goal attainment. Coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes long and scheduled based on the employee’s needs, with 30-minute follow up sessions usually once every two weeks.

Wellbeing Coaches assist employees in developing customized plans to achieve their goals via a strengths-based approach, building on the positive inner resources of an individual to make changes. Employees are encouraged to take an active role in managing their wellbeing through making behavioral changes and being accountable for their progress.

Providing a different perspective

We’re often consumed by our own opinions, life experiences and way of thinking. A coach can provide a new and often helpful perspective on things (INLP Center).

How does Wellbeing Coaching benefit employers?

Wellbeing Coaching motivates and empowers employees to take action to feel fulfilled in all aspects of their lives. When they focus on wellbeing in one area, other areas naturally improve, and employees experience increased confidence, engagement and loyalty. This supports a healthier, more present workforce.

Proven results

Magellan Healthcare members report a 96% overall satisfaction rating. The 4.8-out-of-5 rating includes Overall Service Quality, Achieving Goals, Coach Helpfulness, Coach Responsiveness and Resources Provided. These results demonstrate a tangible positive impact for employees and their families.

Learn more about Magellan’s Employer Solutions

With the start of a new year, it helps to assess not only your physical health but your mental wellbeing, too. Mental wellbeing serves as a foundation for all your activities, and it is important to get your thoughts and emotions pointed in a positive direction.

• Check in with yourself. If the recent holidays have left you feeling mentally conflicted or rattled, confide in a supportive loved one or a mental health professional. You are not alone!
• Get a gratitude start. While it is easier to spot the negative aspects of life, do not forget to make note of the great gifts you have each day—health, family, friendships, purpose, appreciation of nature and more.
• Ramp up self-care, particularly during stressful times. To unplug from stress, decrease your screen time, get outdoor exercise and spend time with loved ones.
• Take a trip. The bleak midwinter can sometimes be a drag. So, schedule a long weekend away where you take in new sights and sounds. This refreshment is great for your mental wellbeing!

Emotional wellbeing: Managing your emotions.

Your ability to handle daily life and major life events is heavily influenced by your emotional wellbeing. Thus, it is important to find ways to keep your emotions on as even a keel as possible. When confronted with uncertainty, know that you have been resilient before and can use the tools of resilience again to minimize your levels of stress and anxiety.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental
health resources.

Supporting Mental Health Through Federal EAP

Mental health challenges affect millions of people and veterans are particularly vulnerable due to the unique stresses they endure during their service. From combat exposure to the strains of reintegrating into civilian life, veterans often face complex emotional and psychological hurdles. Many return from active duty with experiences that can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

EAP Support for Veterans

It is essential to provide veterans with the support they need to maintain mental well-being, especially within the workplace. Since Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are a mandated benefit for federal employees, promoting EAP access is an ideal starting point. This can be especially beneficial for those transitioning back to civilian life. It is often a complex and emotional process where balancing work responsibilities, family obligations, and personal health can feel overwhelming.

EAP offerings are tailored to meet the diverse needs of veterans, who comprise nearly 30% of the federal workforce. Not only do veterans receive services, but so do their household members, ensuring that the support extends beyond the individual to their family—a vital aspect for those balancing family life with work.

For veterans, EAP services can include:

1. Non-Medical Counseling: Veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or stress can access short-term counseling with licensed professionals. These confidential sessions provide a safe space for veterans to discuss their concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. For long-term mental health needs, EAP is available to facilitate referrals and connections to behavioral health resources through their medical carrier, community resources, and services designed for veterans.
2. Work-Life Balance Resources: Veterans who manage the pressures of work and family can turn to EAP services for support in finding childcare, elder care, or even home repair services. These resources help reduce the stress of juggling multiple responsibilities, allowing veterans to focus on their work while ensuring their personal lives are in order.
3. Crisis Support: In times of acute stress or crisis, veterans can call on their EAP to access immediate support. Whether it’s managing a family emergency or dealing with a mental health crisis, help is just a phone call away.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is key to managing mental health challenges. For veterans, reaching out to an EAP resource at the first sign of emotional distress can make all the difference in preventing long-term issues. EAPs are designed to be accessible and flexible, offering support before problems escalate. Employers should promote their EAP services, especially with veterans, to help them access a wide range of resources, empowering them to take control of their mental health in a way that fits into their work and life schedules, mitigating issues before they impact work performance.

Conclusion

Veterans bring valuable skills and experience to the federal workforce and need attention and care for their unique mental health challenges. By encouraging veterans to utilize federal EAP services, veterans have access to a range of supportive services and resources that can help them maintain their well-being. Federal EAPs are not just a lifeline—they are a pathway to lasting wellness for veterans and their families that may also improve overall business outcomes.

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also cause feelings of stress, grief, anxiety and sadness. Whether it’s feeling pressured to create the perfect holiday, navigating family dynamics or dealing with loneliness and/or social anxiety, this time of year can be challenging.

Tips for experiencing happier holidays:

1. Check in with yourself: Acknowledging and validating your feelings can help you address negative emotions and make space for positive ones. Taking a step back ensures you don’t become overwhelmed.
2. Engage in self-care activities: Prioritizing activities that enhance your wellbeing, such as exercise, adequate sleep, nutritious food, reading or a relaxing bath, can help you find moments of joy during the holiday busyness.
3. Volunteer and connect: Helping others can be a powerful way to lift your spirits. Volunteering at events like food, toy and winter clothing drives can help you meet new people, overcome feelings of loneliness and increase your overall positivity and health.
4. Create meaningful traditions: Establishing new ways to celebrate can bring comfort and joy. Whether it’s celebrating at a different location, preparing a special dish or honoring the memory of a loved one, creating unique memories can foster a positive outlook.
5. Seek professional support: If you find yourself struggling, therapists and counselors can provide valuable tools to help you manage emotions, family trauma or stress and cope with grief.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions during the holidays. By prioritizing your mental health, embracing new traditions and taking care of yourself, you can focus on moments of joy.

Find additional information and resources at MagellanHealthcare.com/2024-Holidays.

National Healthcare Quality Week is a vital time to recognize the dedication of healthcare professionals who strive to improve the quality of care. From October 20 through October 26, healthcare organizations can emphasize the need for innovation, collaboration, and accountability in healthcare practices. This week also serves as an opportunity to reflect on successes, address challenges, and foster a culture of quality improvement that benefits patients, members and communities alike. In honor of National Healthcare Quality Week, we’re spotlighting three Magellan Health employees:

• Vivian Fain, senior manager, quality improvement
• Brandi Smith, director of quality
• Maria Brachelli-Pigeon, quality improvement director, Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania

Continue reading to learn more about Vivian, Brandi and Maria’s work in healthcare quality:

Are there any initiatives with healthcare quality that you’re currently working on?

Vivian: I am currently working on performance improvement initiatives related to the identification and submission of critical incidents. This is a major undertaking that unites local providers, care coordinators, and utilization management. This is particularly significant when it comes to securing the safety and welfare of the most vulnerable populations we serve.

Brandi: I am currently partnering with the continuous improvement team and the overall data management plan. I work with the data management and data analytics team to help identify the correct metrics and data elements to build out our scorecards. These scorecards will be essential to reporting our data with a higher consistency and quality. These scorecards will not only be accessible to the employer team but will be built with filters that will make other business units more accessible in Magellan and ensure consistency in reporting across the company.

Maria: As part of the quality team, we often have many healthcare quality related initiatives running concurrently. I appreciate that in my current role I have ability to help shape the scope of projects and measure outcomes of the activities. However, as a healthcare quality professional, I’d argue that most, if not all, discussions we step into benefit from a healthcare quality lens. This means that whether we’re participating in a single discussion or supporting a larger initiative, the principles of healthcare quality can be leveraged to support improvements internally and externally.

How did you get involved with the healthcare quality field?

Vivian: I didn’t seek being involved with the healthcare quality field; the field found me. After many years providing direct care service, I wanted to do something more. At the time, I had no insight into the functions of managed care and how it related to the behavioral health field I was passionate about. Eight years ago, I interviewed for a completely different position than what I’m in, and I was subsequently recommended for a position in quality, that change the path of my career and led me to do what I do today.

Brandi: I got involved with the healthcare quality field by accident. I went to school for accounting and when I graduated college, I got a job in the accounting field. That job wasn’t a great fit for me, so while I looked for my next big adventure, I took temporary jobs with a temp company. One of the temporary positions was at GreenSpring Health in Columbia, Maryland. That temporary job led to a permanent position at GreenSpring in the quality department in 1996. GreenSpring was purchased by Magellan. Since then, I have jumped around to some other departments, but have always returned to my roots in the quality department.

Maria: I was fortunate that another strong quality professional took a chance on me and extended me an offer for a position on the quality team. When I accepted the role I’m currently in, I had no formalized training in healthcare quality. The learning curve was profound. I say now with confidence that it was an excellent move for me. I can also share that before I started my employment at Magellan, that I was impassioned to have a larger role in finding way to improve our community behavioral health system. I worked many years as a clinician treating families and individuals with significant trauma and other behavioral health needs. This role granted me firsthand witness to momentous challenges that my clients experienced with the system, and I came to Magellan with a desire to help triage the barriers I’d observed. I initially joined Magellan as a member of the clinical team, and deeply appreciated what I learned working in that capacity, but feel I’ve found a home working in the quality field.

What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working in healthcare quality? 

Vivian: What I love about my job is seeing the changes made to direct care services secondary to the performance improvement initiatives my team rolls out. The systemic changes we request of providers/facilities, cascade benefits not only to the members we serve, but also have a direct impact for all patients who receive services from the facilities and providers we engage through the performance improvement process. The most challenging aspect of working in healthcare quality is the fast pace in which things take place.

Brandi: One challenge of working in quality are the audits that we do. Audits are a critical piece of work to maintain our excellent level of care that we give to our members and providers. These audits provide valuable feedback to our staff and supervisors allowing us to deliver the same excellent service no matter which person answers the phone. Audits are always evolving to meet the needs of our internal and external customers. For me, the most rewarding aspect of working in quality is when someone identifies an issue, and I can find a solution. I am a problem solver at my core. This is what makes quality such an interesting place to work. We get to be involved in both the front-end work and the back-end reporting and analytics. Identifying issues before they turn into larger problems provides a sense of accomplishment that isn’t always available in other departments. It’s satisfying to send that email that says this issue has been resolved. I love working in the employer world because of the amazing partnerships quality has with our front-end colleagues.

Maria: Addressing challenges can be one of the most rewarding aspects of working in healthcare quality. Quality engages many tools to tackle barriers: the five why’s to understand root cause, we use Pareto charts to decide where impact could be most profound, Gannt charts to build out projects, Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen methods to identify steps in processes that aren’t value-added and eliminate waste, etc. We can help develop rapid cycle projects using the plan-do-study-act model to assess impact of interventions. Making processes more efficient, measuring improvements, and highlighting successes is very rewarding.

What does Healthcare Quality Week mean to you? Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about healthcare quality?

Vivian: I appreciate the recognition for what those in the field of healthcare quality are tasked to accomplish. The continuous quality improvement process we seek to replicate is no easy task for those resistant to change and is often misunderstood, while the benefits are far reaching and often taken for granted. Further, I would like to highlight the unseen nature of what we do, operating in the background of direct care, to ensure the direct care provided to patients is backed by high expectations.

Brandi: Healthcare quality week means that people get a small glimpse into the world of quality that not everyone gets in the normal day to day. Raising awareness of quality is important, as quality collaborates with every department in the organization. Quality can’t be successful without that collaboration, and whether you realize it or not, you have likely contributed to successful quality outcomes.

Maria: Healthcare Quality Week creates a dedicated time and space to reflect on how incorporation of quality principles in our work can be impactful for our staff, our customers, and our business. For me, this week is a time to extend appreciation to the individuals that are working in the background to improve workflows and outcomes. The quality teams across Magellan Health are extremely collaborative and supportive of one another. We are fortunate to have developed this network of professionals. I’m grateful to have kind and caring coworkers to partner on projects. In general, you’ll hear quality professionals share proclamations like, “quality is everyone’s job.” While it is important for a few of us to have knowledge/expertise on the quality framework to help drive strategies, all staff can have a role in quality.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate, you’re not alone. A national survey suggests more than 60% of registered voters in the U.S. say politics are a significant source of stress, and some even say they’ve lost sleep over it. Over 25% of voters also say politics have sparked conflict among their family and friends. Political stress, anxiety or even anger you may feel over politics can be hard to cope with.

Managing what you can control during election season

These feelings can have a negative impact on your emotional and physical health. Symptoms such as low energy, insomnia, loss of appetite, mood swings and tension are signs that you should not ignore. It is important to recognize what you can and cannot control as the election approaches. You cannot control other people’s opinions, beliefs, reactions or how they express themselves. Nor can you control others’ votes. There are, however, many things you can control during and after the election:

• Limit the amount of time you spend on election news and discussions. While the 24-hour political news cycle on television, radio and the internet is almost impossible to escape, you can limit the amount of time you spend on media each day.
• Be aware of the coverage, feeds and groups you follow. When you are watching or reading election coverage, avoid negative-leaning discussions, especially if you feel frustrated or upset by them.
• Recognize how you interact on social media. Avoid giving angry or emotional responses to posts that do not align with your views. You are unlikely to change other people’s opinions; you are more likely to get unwanted and hostile feedback.
• Focus on the time you spend with people. Prioritize your relationships with positive family and friends. Strong social connections can reduce stress and help you feel happier and more energetic.
• Manage how you deal with stress. Whether it’s meditation, going out in nature, reading a book or working on a hobby, take time to do something that makes you feel good. Get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet and avoid using alcohol or drugs.
• Stick to your boundaries. Before you enter a conversation, ask yourself if you’re in the emotional headspace to have it. Are you feeling stressed out, on edge or angry? Are you prepared to have a healthy debate or do conversations around this topic tend not to go well? If you feel like you’d be better off not having an election-related conversation, express your boundaries. You could say, “This conversation is really challenging for me, and it’s bringing up a lot of feelings. Can we move on to something else?”
• Take action by using your time and talents. Give your time and skills to a cause you believe in. If you have a strong interest in a political cause or candidate, offer to help with a campaign or other event.

This article is for your information only. It is not meant to give medical advice. It should not be used to replace a visit with a provider. Magellan Health does not endorse other resources that may be mentioned here.

SOURCE: The Jed Foundation

The Importance of Finding a Community Wherever You Land

The military lifestyle is one full of constant change and often accompanied by stress, anxiety, and loneliness. One factor that weighs heavily on many military members and their families is the isolation that comes from the nomadic nature of frequent permanent change of station (PCS) moves over the course of a Service member’s career (Tong et al., 2018).

Everyday Burdens Feel Twice as Heavy When Going it Alone

Humans are, by nature, creatures that live in groups with close familial and social bonds. Military families uproot multiple times over the course of a career, and at each new location, are faced with a choice: build a new circle of people or go it alone. While a strong sense of independence and self-reliance are strengths that most Service members and their family members develop, it is crucial that they reach out at new commands and make the effort to meet people they can absorb into their circle of people that they can rely on. Where a civilian family may have the luxury of grandparents nearby to help with picking up a sick child from school, a cousin who is a great fixer to help around the house, or childhood best friends to recharge with after a long week, a military family often finds themselves alone in a new city with no sources of support (Tong et al., 2018). Certainly, families can hire babysitters, repair companies, and take time for themselves, but there is something incredibly valuable in having an established community or group of people you belong to who become your supporters. Deployments are times when this is especially important. Having people to turn to while a spouse is away allows the spouse at home to have support and companionship. It also gives the deployed Service member the freedom to focus on their mission knowing that their family is supported by a trusted community at home.

The Military Culture is Built on Shared Experience and Supporting Each Other

There are a lot of built-in ways for military families to connect with other families. Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) can support them by giving encouragement to take the first step. A command Ombudsman is an excellent resource for connecting families with each other and with important local resources! The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) center often holds events and activities where members and their families can meet other families (Ways to Settle In to Your New Home and Community 2024). Military members and families experience many of the same challenges and are often happy to lend a hand when someone needs help. Making those initial connections makes finding support much easier. Meeting people is sometimes not the hardest part; putting in the effort to make plans and build relationships can seem daunting on top of an already busy schedule. For some, knowing that another move is inevitable makes building relationships with people they will have to say goodbye to in a few years seem pointless. While saying goodbye is difficult, life is made richer by having made connections with individuals and having experiences with others, even if only for a short time.

When working with our military members and families, MFLCs provide a source of support and encouragement but also resources that they can use to strengthen their support system and coping skills outside of the counseling sessions. So make sure to build a community circle to feel connected to wherever you land!

References

• Tong, P. K., Payne, L. A., Bond, C. A., Meadows, S. O., Lewis, J. L., Friedman, E. M., & Maksabedian Hernandez, E. J. (2018). (rep.). Enhancing Family Stability During a Permanent Change of Station: A Review of Disruptions and Policies. Rand Corporation. Retrieved July 31, 2024, from https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR2300/RR2304/RAND_RR2304.pdf.
• Ways to Settle In to Your New Home and Community. Military OneSource. (2024, July 29). https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/settling-in-to-a-new-home/