title: On-site Mental Health Professionals and Pediatric Residents in Continuity Clinic.
abstract: The objective of the study was to examine differences in pediatric resident perceptions and practices related to child mental health conditions in continuity clinic settings with versus without on-site mental health professionals (MHPs). A 20-item questionnaire, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics Periodic Survey Number 59, was administered to pediatric residents in a medium-sized program from 2008 to 2011. Of 130 residents surveyed, compared with their peers, those practicing with the on-site MHPs were more likely to report mental health services as very available in their clinic (odds ratio [OR] = 39.7; P = .000). Residents with on-site MHPs inquired more frequently about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; OR = 2.96; P = .029) and referred more frequently for ADHD (OR = 3.68; P = .006), depression (OR = 2.82; P = .030), and behavioral problems (OR = 3.04; P = .012). On-site MHPs in continuity clinics offer great potential to improve resident education and patient care. Additional research is necessary to further understand their impact.
authors.affiliation: 1 Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Braveen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ragunanthan
authors.affiliation: 2 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Frosch
authors.affiliation: 2 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Barry S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D002648:Child; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: co-location; continuity clinic; integrated care; on-site mental health; pediatric residency education; primary care