What Caregivers Want: Preferences for Behavioral Health Screening Implementation Procedures in Pediatric Primary Care

AbstractThere has been a national push for universal psychosocial prevention screening in pediatric primary care. Implementation science highlights the importance of considering patients ’ perspectives when developing such procedures; however, minimal studies have examined this. The present study employed a mixed-methods design to examine caregivers of pediatric patients’ (n = 149) preferences and comfort with psychosocial screening procedures. A subset of participants (n = 20) were interviewed to better understand reasons for responses. Results indicated that caregivers rated screening for physical health, development, emotion and behavior, caregiver adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and child ACEs within primary care as important or very important. The maj ority of caregivers were not comfortable completing screenings in the waiting room and preferred the exam room. Caregivers primarily preferred the primary care provider to administer screenings and communicate results and recommendations. Parents also preferred the behavioral health provider to prov ide recommendations on emotion and behavior, parent ACEs, and child ACEs. Qualitative reasons for responses included relationship quality, knowledge of child, expertise, and desire for direct communication. Findings have implications for developing family-centered, trauma-informed practices within p rimary care, particularly among those within under-resourced rural communities.

Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings - October 13, 2020 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research