Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Dr. Katherine A. Hinderer, Senior Nurse Scientist at Connecticut Children’s
Jul 14, 2025
Dr. Katherine A. Hinderer, Senior Nurse Scientist at Connecticut Children’s, is dedicated to improving pediatric mental health care through evidence-based practices. She discusses the innovative Emergency Behavioral Health Assessment Tool, designed to help assess and support young patients in emergencies. Katherine also highlights the urgent challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes strategies to reduce the use of restraints for better patient outcomes. Her initiatives aim to strengthen community resources and enhance mental wellness for marginalized youth.
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Dr. Hinderer's Career Journey
- Dr. Katherine A. Hinderer transitioned from ICU nursing to teaching, then to nurse scientist focused on pediatric research.
- She enjoys collaborating with clinical nurses to improve care for children and families through research.
Challenges in Pediatric Mental Health
- Pediatric mental health resources were limited even before COVID, which exacerbated the crisis especially in emergency departments.
- The Emergency Behavioral Health Assessment Tool (EBAT) was developed to help nurses assess and manage pediatric mental health patients effectively.
EBAT's Impact on Care Quality
- EBAT allows ongoing, dynamic assessment of children's mental health acuity in the ER.
- Use of EBAT significantly reduced restraint usage and increased one-to-one observation for safer care.