Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: In-Depth Summary of Episode Featuring Dr. Katherine A. Hinderer

Release Date: July 14, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this illuminating episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Laura Deardle welcomes Dr. Katherine A. Hinderer, the Senior Nurse Scientist at the Institute of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, and Associate Chair of Nursing Research at the Connecticut Children’s Research Institute. Dr. Hinderer shares her extensive career journey, transitioning from bedside nursing in adult health ICU to academia and ultimately to her current role, where she passionately integrates research with clinical practice to enhance pediatric care.

Dr. Hinderer (00:39): “One of the best parts about my job is working with clinical teachers, teams and especially I love working with nurses... to really support research questions that make a difference in the care of children and their families at the bedside.”

Challenges in Pediatric Mental Health

Dr. Hinderer delves into the pressing issues surrounding pediatric mental health, highlighting the pre-existing resource shortages that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the increased influx of children and adolescents presenting with mental and behavioral health concerns during the pandemic, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions and resources.

Dr. Hinderer (03:02): “Even before the COVID pandemic started, pediatric mental health was facing significant challenges in terms of not having enough resources to really adequately care for kids and families of kids that have mental health and behavioral health concerns.”

Development of the Emergency Behavioral Health Assessment Tool (EBAT)

The conversation transitions to Dr. Hinderer’s pivotal role in developing the Emergency Behavioral Health Assessment Tool (EBAT), a comprehensive instrument designed to enhance the assessment and care of children with mental health issues in emergency settings. Spearheaded by Nurse Leader Ryan O’Donnell and a dedicated clinical nurse, the team rapidly developed EBAT in response to the escalating mental health crises during the pandemic.

Dr. Hinderer (05:30): “Our physician provider, who is Dr. Steve Rogers, likes to call it a vital signs for mental health. And it is kind of like that, but I look at it as a little more than that in that it's giving our nurses tools to help quantify what's going on with their patients and then help guide them in their practice.”

Impact and Results of EBAT

Dr. Hinderer outlines the multifaceted benefits of EBAT, including its ability to provide real-time assessments, guide tailored nursing interventions, and support leadership in resource allocation. Notably, the implementation of EBAT has led to a significant reduction in the use of restraints, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for young patients.

Dr. Hinderer (08:15): “One of the most amazing outcomes of this project is that we were really able to significantly drop the number [of restraints used].”

She further explains how EBAT allows for dynamic reassessment of patients’ mental health status, enabling timely adjustments in care strategies based on the evolving needs of each child.

Advice for Other Clinicians

When addressing clinicians facing similar challenges, Dr. Hinderer advises focusing on identifying and securing the necessary resources to support pediatric mental health effectively. She emphasizes the importance of data-driven advocacy, as demonstrated by EBAT’s role in justifying the need for specialized staff and training.

Dr. Hinderer (10:37): “Always focusing on what are the real resources you need and then trying to get those resources... our nursing leadership team to have the data to support the need for some of those things that they were able to get.”

Dr. Hinderer also shares exciting developments, including further validation studies funded by the Heilbrunnner Scholar Award from Rockefeller University, aimed at refining EBAT for broader application across other institutions.

Future Directions and Connecticut Children’s Initiatives

Looking ahead, Dr. Hinderer envisions a future where community-based resources minimize the necessity for emergency department visits due to mental health issues. She highlights Connecticut Children’s ongoing efforts, such as the recent establishment of a suicide prevention center and partnerships with state organizations to bolster youth mental health services.

Dr. Hinderer (13:16): “My dream is that we don't have to treat as many children in the emergency department with mental health concerns. I hope that... we'll be able to strengthen our community-based resources so that kids can get the care they need in their own communities, in their own homes.”

Dr. Hinderer articulates her commitment to reducing the marginalization of children with mental health conditions through improved care practices and research-driven interventions, ultimately striving for enhanced mental wellness and functional integration of youth within their communities and schools.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Dr. Hinderer expressing her aspirations for the future of youth mental health care and acknowledging the collaborative efforts required to achieve systemic improvements. Host Laura Deardle commends Dr. Hinderer for her inspiring contributions and impactful research, emphasizing the significance of such initiatives in transforming pediatric healthcare.

Dr. Hinderer (15:14): “We’re just going to help improve the care of those kids so that they can get to where they need to be... towards mental wellness and to a place where they will be able to continue to function and live in their schools and their communities and not have to visit us.”

Key Takeaways:

• Career Integration: Dr. Hinderer’s journey from bedside nursing to research highlights the critical role of nurse scientists in bridging clinical practice and academic research to enhance patient care.

• EBAT’s Innovation: The development and implementation of the Emergency Behavioral Health Assessment Tool represent a significant advancement in pediatric mental health care, providing a structured and dynamic approach to assessment and intervention.

• Impactful Outcomes: EBAT has not only improved the quality of care but also contributed to a reduction in the use of restraints, promoting a more compassionate and effective treatment environment for children.

• Future Vision: Dr. Hinderer advocates for strengthening community-based resources and reducing emergency department visits for mental health concerns, aiming for a holistic and preventive approach to youth mental health.

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of the challenges and innovations in pediatric mental health care, offering valuable insights and practical solutions for healthcare professionals striving to improve outcomes for young patients.