Integrated Mental Health Training Relates to Pediatric Residents' Confidence with Child Mental Health Disorders

The primary aim of this study was to determine the association of an integrated mental health training model on pediatric residents' use of (1) secondary screens, (2) mental health referrals, (3) psychotropic medications, and (4) follow-up appointments for mental health concerns. The secondary aim was to determine resident confidence managing mental health conditions.

Visits of children ages 6-18 years old with either a positive primary mental health screen or a mental health diagnosis in pre- and post-intervention years (N = 113 and N = 251, respectively) at a single-site continuity clinic were included. Authors also surveyed alumni from pre- and post- intervention years (N = 46) about their confidence with managing mental health disorders. The authors used chi-squared and t-tests to compare visit characteristics between years and multivariable logistic regression to determine correlates of mental health management.

Post-intervention residents more often used secondary screening tools (adjusted odds ratio 5.61, 95% confidence interval 2.08-15.17). There were no differences in referrals, prescribing psychotropic medications, or follow-up visits. Post-intervention graduates reported higher confidence with diagnosis, screening, medication management, and follow-up for mental health disorders.

After transitioning to an integrated mental health model, residents were more likely to use secondary screens and post-intervention graduates reported higher confidence with managing mental health disorders.