Physician Utilization of a Universal Psychosocial Screening Protocol in Pediatric Primary Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric primary care
• Behavioral health integration
• Screening protocols

Background:

• Universal psychosocial screening is crucial for early identification of behavioral health concerns in children.
• Integrating screening into well-child checkups (WCC) can improve access to care.
• Physician adoption and adherence to screening protocols are key implementation factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utilization and effectiveness of a universal psychosocial screening protocol by pediatricians.
• To assess the frequency of screening and patient outcomes related to behavioral health care access.
• To identify implementation challenges and facilitators for psychosocial screening in primary care.

Main Methods:

• A multitiered screening algorithm using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) was implemented by 20 pediatricians.
• Descriptive analyses examined screening protocol utilization over 3 years in well-child checkups for children aged 7 and 11.
• Patient outcomes associated with accessing behavioral health care were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The PSC-17 protocol was frequently utilized, with increasing frequency over 3 years, covering 3678 encounters.
• Screening identified a prevalence of psychosocial concerns, with observed cost-effectiveness and adherence to the screening algorithm.
• Secondary challenges were noted in implementing prescribed follow-up procedures after initial screening.

Conclusions:

• Primary care behavioral health collaborations enhance universal screening utilization and cost-effectiveness.
• Early identification of psychosocial problems in children is facilitated by integrated screening protocols.
• Effective collaboration is essential for directing children to timely follow-up care.