Impact of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist: Physician Identification and Response to Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Concerns

2013

Rachel Valleley
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402-559-6408

Mental health problems, which include behavioral and emotional concerns, have been shown to be present in 12-27% of children, and adolescents who attend primary care. Unfortunately, pediatricians only identify 1 in 5 children who experience behavior and emotional problems. Only a small portion identified are then referred for further assessment or evaluation. Given the relationship between childhood mental health concerns and increased adult pathology, it is imperative that methods be implemented to accurately detect concerns early in order to prevent later, more severe, and perhaps more costly problems. Screening has been proposed as a method for identifying children with behavioral health concerns and many tools with strong psychometrics have been developed. However, the impact of behavioral health screening in primary care on whether patients with behavioral health needs are identified and referred for behavioral health services has not been addressed in previous research.

Conference presentations and posters presented

Professionals, Policymakers, Students

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