Related Experiment Videos
Well-child visits revisited
Insights
The American Academy of Pediatrics proposes increasing well-child visits by 50%, from 14 to 21. This expansion of routine pediatric care may not benefit children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Public health policy
Background:
- Pediatrics evolved into a distinct medical specialty in the early 20th century.
- Historically, infectious and nutritional diseases were primary childhood health concerns.
- Post-mid-20th century, pediatric practice shifted focus to well-child supervision and primary care.
Observation:
- Pediatricians historically dedicated significant office time to well-child visits.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for a 50% increase in well-child visits for infants, children, and adolescents, totaling 21 visits.
- The proposal includes recommending continuous, comprehensive pediatrician care for all children.
Findings:
- The proposed increase in well-child visits may not align with optimal child health outcomes.
- Current pediatric practice heavily emphasizes routine health supervision.
Implications:
- Re-evaluating the necessity and impact of increased well-child visit frequency is crucial.
- Alternative models of child health supervision may be more beneficial.
- The long-term health benefits of the proposed increase in visits require further investigation.
Abstract:
Pediatrics did not emerge as a specialty distinct from other medical disciplines until early in the 20th century. The main causes of death and disease in infancy and childhood during the 18th and 19th centuries--infectious and nutritional diseases--were conquered before midcentury, and primary care pediatric practice was quickly immersed in child health supervision activities. Thereafter, pediatricians spent the majority of their office-based practice time conducting well-child visits. The American Academy of Pediatrics now wishes to increase the number of well-child visits during infancy, childhood, and adolescence by 50%--from 14 to 21 visits. This posture, plus that of recommending ongoing comprehensive and continuing care by a pediatrician for every child, may not be in the best interests of children's health.