Improved pediatric behavioral health appointment scheduling in an integrated primary care program

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Behavioral Health
• Primary Care Mental Health Integration
• Healthcare Access and Scheduling

Background:

• Understanding appointment scheduling for pediatric behavioral health (BH) referrals is crucial.
• This study compares scheduling behaviors in pediatric patients with and without primary care mental health integration (PCMHI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of PCMHI on appointment scheduling for pediatric BH referrals.
• To compare scheduling adherence between patients with and without direct access to integrated care.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study design was employed.
• Compared pediatric patients with BH referrals in PCMHI and non-PCMHI clinics.
• Data collected via electronic health records and telephone interviews.

Main Results:

• 87.3% of PCMHI patients scheduled initial BH appointments within 14 days, versus 9.2% in non-PCMHI.
• No significant difference in median days to the initial BH appointment between groups.
• Common barriers included referral confusion and busy schedules for both cohorts.

Conclusions:

• Patients receiving care within a PCMHI model demonstrated higher likelihood of scheduling initial BH appointments.
• PCMHI appears to facilitate timely access to behavioral health services for pediatric patients.