Effects of a screening instrument and parent handouts on physicians recognition and intervention of childrens behavioral and emotional problems

This study examined the effects of a screening instrument and parent handouts on pediatric residents\u27 recognition and intervention of children\u27s behavioral and emotional problems. Four pediatric residents and 52 parent-child dyads attending a pediatric primary care clinic participated in the study. A multiple baseline design across residents was used. The effects of the interventions were assessed by measuring ten target behaviors of the pediatric residents. After being trained to use the screening instrument, residents\u27 increased the number and variety of questions they asked regarding behavioral and emotional issues. Attempts at intervention by the residents showed small but reliable increases when handouts on behavior management procedures were made available. The use of a screening instrument in pediatric primary care shows promise in increasing discussions regarding children\u27s behavioral and emotional issues between residents and parents. Further research is needed examining strategies to improve pediatric residents\u27 attempts at intervention for behavioral and emotional problems in children