TY - JOUR
T1 - Barriers to the Identification and Management of Psychosocial Problems
T2 - Changes from 2004 to 2013
AU - Horwitz, Sarah Mc Cue
AU - Storfer-Isser, Amy
AU - Kerker, Bonnie D.
AU - Szilagyi, Moira
AU - Garner, Andrew
AU - O'Connor, Karen G.
AU - Hoagwood, Kimberly E.
AU - Stein, Ruth E.K.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Academic Pediatric Association.
PY - 2015/11
Y1 - 2015/11
N2 - Objective Pediatricians report many barriers to caring for children with mental health (MH) problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has focused attention on MH problems, but the impact on perceived barriers is unknown. We examined whether perceived barriers and their correlates changed from 2004 to 2013. Methods In 2004, 832 (52%) of 1600 and in 2013, 594 (36.7%) of 1617 of randomly selected AAP members surveyed responded to periodic surveys, answering questions about sociodemographics, practice characteristics, and 7 barriers to identifying, treating/managing, and referring child/adolescent MH problems. To reduce nonresponse bias, weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Lack of training in treatment of child MH problems (∼66%) and lack of confidence treating children with counseling (∼60%) did not differ across surveys. Five barriers (lack of training in identifying MH problems, lack of confidence diagnosing, lack of confidence treating with medications, inadequate reimbursement, and lack of time) were less frequently endorsed in 2013 (all P <.01), although lack of time was still endorsed by 70% in 2013. In 2004, 34% of pediatricians endorsed 6 or 7 barriers compared to 26% in 2013 (P <.005). Practicing general pediatrics exclusively was associated with endorsing 6 or 7 barriers in both years (P <.001). Conclusions Although fewer barriers were endorsed in 2013, most pediatricians believe that they have inadequate training in treating child MH problems, a lack of confidence to counsel children, and limited time for these problems. These findings suggest significant barriers still exist, highlighting the need for improved developmental and behavioral pediatrics training.
AB - Objective Pediatricians report many barriers to caring for children with mental health (MH) problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has focused attention on MH problems, but the impact on perceived barriers is unknown. We examined whether perceived barriers and their correlates changed from 2004 to 2013. Methods In 2004, 832 (52%) of 1600 and in 2013, 594 (36.7%) of 1617 of randomly selected AAP members surveyed responded to periodic surveys, answering questions about sociodemographics, practice characteristics, and 7 barriers to identifying, treating/managing, and referring child/adolescent MH problems. To reduce nonresponse bias, weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Lack of training in treatment of child MH problems (∼66%) and lack of confidence treating children with counseling (∼60%) did not differ across surveys. Five barriers (lack of training in identifying MH problems, lack of confidence diagnosing, lack of confidence treating with medications, inadequate reimbursement, and lack of time) were less frequently endorsed in 2013 (all P <.01), although lack of time was still endorsed by 70% in 2013. In 2004, 34% of pediatricians endorsed 6 or 7 barriers compared to 26% in 2013 (P <.005). Practicing general pediatrics exclusively was associated with endorsing 6 or 7 barriers in both years (P <.001). Conclusions Although fewer barriers were endorsed in 2013, most pediatricians believe that they have inadequate training in treating child MH problems, a lack of confidence to counsel children, and limited time for these problems. These findings suggest significant barriers still exist, highlighting the need for improved developmental and behavioral pediatrics training.
KW - access
KW - barriers
KW - child mental health
KW - child psychosocial problems
KW - primary care
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U2 - 10.1016/j.acap.2015.08.006
DO - 10.1016/j.acap.2015.08.006
M3 - Article
C2 - 26409303
AN - SCOPUS:84947045949
SN - 1876-2859
VL - 15
SP - 613
EP - 620
JO - Academic Pediatrics
JF - Academic Pediatrics
IS - 6
ER -