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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Stephanie Hall

LCSW, CCTP, DSW Candidate

Trapped by Charts: The Impact of Documentation Demands on Clinicians and Patients in Psychiatric Hospitals

Concentration -

  • Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -
  • 2:30 pm
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Abstract

This capstone project addresses the increasing challenges posed by documentation demands in psychiatric hospital settings and their impact on mental health clinicians and patient care. As regulatory compliance requirements rise, the resulting administrative workload significantly reduces the time clinicians can spend on direct patient interactions. This reduction leads to greater moral distress and clinician burnout, which in turn erodes therapeutic relationships and compromises the effectiveness of patient care and treatment outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of current research, this project identifies key systemic and technological barriers that exacerbate these challenges. To address these issues, the capstone proposes a comprehensive, multi-faceted framework aimed at balancing organizational efficiency with clinician empowerment while prioritizing patient-centered care. By reforming policies, streamlining workflows, and leveraging technology, this framework seeks to alleviate administrative pressures and redirect focus on meaningful clinician-patient engagement. Ultimately, this project emphasizes the urgent need to create a mental health care system where clinicians can thrive and patients receive the highest quality of care.

Biography

Stephanie Hall is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is also a Doctor of Social Work Candidate at the University of Kentucky. Originally from Franklin, Louisiana, she currently resides in Houston, Texas. Ms. Hall possesses clinical licenses in Vermont, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Idaho. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University. As the founder of ReNew Yu Counseling & Mental Wellness, she provides culturally responsive mental health services tailored to meet her clients' unique needs.
Ms. Hall's commitment to advancing mental health care is reflected in her research, notably her Capstone Project titled "Trapped by Charts: The Impact of Documentation Demands on Clinicians and Patients." This project examines the burdens associated with excessive documentation and its detrimental effects on clinician well-being and the quality of care provided to patients. In addition to her clinical and research endeavors, Ms. Hall advocates health equity and economic empowerment through her engagement with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Houston Metropolitan Chapter. Her advocacy work encompasses discussions on critical issues such as Superwoman Syndrome, clinician burnout, financial trauma, and trauma-informed care.
As a devoted mother of four, Ms. Hall considers her children her greatest achievement and primary source of motivation. Her mission is to empower individuals, particularly within the Black community, to attain mental, emotional, and financial wellness. She endeavors to dismantle systemic barriers and promote a more equitable society through advocacy, clinical practice, and research.