Physician Satisfaction With Integrated Behavioral Health in Pediatric Primary Care: Consistency Across Rural and Urban Settings. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hine, Jeffrey F.; Grennan, Allison Q.; Menousek, Kathryn M.; Robertson, Gail; Valleley, Rachel J.; Evans, Joseph H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of primary care & community health. Volume 8:Number 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: access to care -- children -- pediatrics -- primary care -- physician satisfaction; Primary health care -- Periodicals; Primary health care -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1177/2150131916668115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-1319

Abstract

As the benefits of integrated behavioral health care services are becoming more widely recognized, this study investigated physician satisfaction with ongoing integrated psychology services in pediatric primary care clinics. Data were collected across 5 urban and 6 rural clinics and demonstrated the specific factors that physicians view as assets to having efficient access to a pediatric behavioral health practitioner. Results indicated significant satisfaction related to quality and continuity of care and improved access to services. Such models of care may increase access to care and reduce other service barriers encountered by individuals and their families with behavioral health concerns (ie, those who otherwise would seek services through referrals to traditional tertiary care facilities).