Behavioral health engagement and treatment strategies: Pediatric chief resident perspectives.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite increasing evidence that use of the "common factors" and "common elements" approaches are effective in improving patient outcomes, and calls for pediatricians to address patient behavioral health concerns, little is known about pediatrician knowledge, perceptions, and use of these approaches. Method: Pediatric chief residents from all 210 pediatric residency programs in the United States were surveyed to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and training related to use of engagement and treatment strategies that comprise the common factors and common elements approaches to delivering behavioral health care. Results: The usable response rate was 38%. Most respondents indicated they believe pediatricians should address behavioral health issues and that common factors and common elements would be useful and feasible in clinical practice. Most indicated low levels of familiarity with common factors and common elements and dissatisfaction with training in these areas. Conclusion: Additional training and other implementation supports, such as dissemination of implementation guidelines and mechanisms for technical assistance, will be needed in order to increase pediatrician use of these approaches.