Related Experiment Videos
Primary pediatric care in one community
Insights
Pediatricians are increasingly providing primary care for children, with their role expanding significantly between 1967 and 1975. This trend suggests a growing need for pediatricians to meet future child healthcare demands.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Primary Care
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The landscape of primary pediatric care has evolved over time.
- Understanding the changing role of pediatricians in child healthcare is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in primary pediatric practice from 1967 to 1975.
- To assess the proportion of ambulatory care provided by pediatricians.
- To identify common reasons for pediatric visits.
Main Methods:
- Household interview survey.
- Pediatrician mail questionnaire.
- Ambulatory care survey of nine practices over a four-week period.
Main Results:
- Pediatricians' share of ambulatory care for children increased from 47% in 1967 to 74% in 1975.
- Well-child care (30%) was the leading reason for visits, followed by upper respiratory infections (24%).
- Variations in care were observed based on practice and patient characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians are becoming the dominant providers of primary care for children.
- A projected increase in demand necessitates a larger pediatrician workforce.
- Strategies like multi-setting practice and delegation to nurse practitioners aid in meeting demand.
Abstract:
Primary pediatric practice in one community was studied by using a household interview survey, a pediatrician mail questionnaire, and an ambulatory care survey of nine practices reporting on all visits over a four-week period. The results for the study year 1975 are compared with those for 1971 and 1967. Pediatricians provided an ever-increasing proportion of ambulatory care. Of all the children who had a regular physician in 1967, only 47% had a pediatrician; by 1975, this proportion had increased to 74%. Well-child care continues to be the largest diagnostic category (30%), followed by treatment for upper respiratory tract infections (24%), otitis media (14%), and lower respiratory tract infections (6%). Variations by practice and patient characteristics are examined. If the observed changes indicate a nationwide trend, a larger number of pediatricians will be needed to cover their growing share in primary care for children. Working in multiple settings and delegating part of the work load to nurse practioners have helped to meet the growing demand.