Pediatricians' training and identification and management of psychosocial problems

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2004 May;43(4):355-65. doi: 10.1177/000992280404300407.

Abstract

This study evaluated the association of pediatrician training on the identification and management of current and ongoing emotional or behavioral problems among children ages 4-8 years in 19 practices in south-central Connecticut. Pediatricians with advanced training in psychosocial issues were more likely to identify children's psychosocial problems and use multiple management strategies compared with pediatricians with no specialized training. Although pediatricians with moderate training in psychosocial issues were more likely to identify psychosocial problems compared with pediatricians with no training, there was no relationship between moderate training and management of psychosocial problems. These results suggest that identification and management of young children's psychosocial problems demands advanced training and support the American Academy of Pediatrics' call for more extensive training.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Connecticut
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Expressed Emotion
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language Disorders / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mood Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mood Disorders / therapy
  • Motor Activity
  • Pediatrics / education*
  • Peer Group
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / diagnosis
  • Social Work