Psychosocial screening in pediatric practice: a survey of interested physicians.
This study followed up on 201 pediatricians and family practitioners who had requested information about the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), a parent-completed questionnaire which screens for psychosocial dysfunction in school-aged children. The physicians were sent a postcard survey asking whether they had used the PSC in their practices. Of the 157 (78%) who responded to the postcard survey, 36 (23%) reported that they had used the PSC. On a follow-up questionnaire, all of these physicians rated the PSC as useful, and nearly 80% reported that it led to increased case-finding and/or referrals. Ninety-six percent stated that they will continue to use the PSC; more than half of them routinely or frequently. The findings indicate a widespread interest in psychosocial screening, and suggest that additional educational efforts may be necessary to support the acceptance of the PSC in pediatric practice.
Bishop
S J
SJ
Child Psychiatry Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Murphy
J M
JM
Jellinek
M S
MS
Dusseault
K
K
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011364:Professional Practice; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires