This study aims to enhance pediatric primary care to make it more responsive to psychosocial needs facing many families. We hypothesized that by identifying and addressing certain problems, such as depressed mothers, parental drug use, and domestic violence, we would help decrease child abuse and neglect.
This study aims to enhance pediatric primary care to make it more responsive to psychosocial needs facing many families. We hypothesized that by identifying and addressing certain problems, such as depressed mothers, parental drug use, and domestic violence, we would help decrease child abuse and neglect. The first step was to train pediatric residents on the importance of addressing the targeted problems. Then, we developed a brief screening tool to use when children under six years came in for the regular checkups. Parents would complete this while waiting for their doctor. Finally, the doctor and/or social worker would try address any problems the parent identified.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
660
Residents received special training to address targeted psychosocial problems. Parents bringing in children (0 - 5 years) completed a screening questionnaire and gave this to their doctor. The resident briefly assessed the identified problems and helped address them. A social worker was present to assist.
Residents did not receive special training on the targeted psychosocial problems. They did not use the parent screening questionnaire, and they did not have a dedicated social worker.
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Reduced child abuse and neglect
Reports to Child Protective Services
Time frame: 2002 - 2005
Improved resident attitudes and behavior regarding psychosocial problems.
Self-reported thinking and behavior regarding addressing targeted problems
Time frame: 2002 - 2005
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.