Health Services for Behavioral Problems in Pediatric Primary Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Behavioral Health
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Behavioral health issues are prevalent in pediatric primary care.
• Pediatricians are often the first point of contact for families seeking behavioral health support.
• Integrating behavioral health services into primary care can improve access and reduce stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore primary care pediatricians' experiences delivering behavioral health services in Nebraska.
• To understand pediatricians' attitudes, perceived barriers, and management strategies for behavioral problems.
• To assess the perceived preference of parents for receiving behavioral health services in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to 154 primary care pediatricians in Nebraska.
• The survey collected data on the management of behavioral problems, attitudes, and perceived barriers.
• Seventy pediatricians (47% response rate) completed the survey.

Main Results:

• The majority of surveyed pediatricians encounter numerous children with behavioral problems.
• 85% believe most emotional/behavioral complaints are manageable by pediatricians.
• 88% perceive parents prefer receiving behavioral health services in primary care offices.
• Most pediatricians feel their mental health training is inadequate.

Conclusions:

• Pediatricians in Nebraska believe primary care is the optimal setting for managing pediatric behavioral problems.
• There is a perceived parental preference for receiving these services in primary care.
• Enhanced training in behavioral health for pediatricians is crucial for effective service delivery.