An Innovative Approach to Increase Lead Testing by Pediatricians in Children, United States, 2019-2021

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Childhood lead exposure is a prevalent public health concern in the United States.
• Pediatricians play a crucial role in identifying and preventing lead exposure in children.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the need for enhanced pediatrician education on lead testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Increasing Capacity for Blood Lead Testing Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) project.
• To assess the impact of ECHO training on pediatricians' knowledge and practice behaviors regarding childhood lead testing.
• To determine if the ECHO model can drive measurable practice changes in pediatric healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• The study involved pediatricians participating in the ECHO project, which provided education on lead exposure.
• Participants received training focused on the importance of blood lead testing and strategies for practice change.
• Post-training assessments measured changes in reported lead testing rates and clinical practices.

Main Results:

• More than 80% of participating pediatricians reported an increase in blood lead testing for children.
• Significant practice behavior changes were observed in over 80% of participants within two weeks to one month post-training.
• The ECHO model facilitated a rapid and substantial shift in clinical practice regarding lead testing.

Conclusions:

• The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model is an effective mechanism for promoting practice change among pediatricians.
• Targeted educational interventions can successfully increase lead testing rates and improve pediatric practices related to lead exposure.
• The findings support the scalability and utility of the ECHO model for addressing critical public health issues in pediatric care.