Implementierung einer neuen Versorgungsform zur Früherkennung und Prävention emotionaler und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten bei Kindern im kinderärztlichen Setting: Qualitative Interviews mit Kinderärzt*innen, Praxispersonal und Sorgeberechtigten

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Aim of the study: Evaluation of the implementation of a standardized screening using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as part of the routine pediatric health check-ups in the Dresden area (Germany) in order to detect emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in children early and allocate them to indicated preventive programs and / or to further counselling and treatment services. Methods: 1.) Semi-structured interviews were performed with participating pediatricians (n = 4), practice staff (n = 4) and custodians of screened children (n = 17) and subjected to content analysis regarding feasibility, advantages and disadvantages of the screening and the targeted allocation, as well as barriers and facilitators of using the screening and the preventive programs and further services. 2.) A self-developed questionnaire survey (descriptive analysis: means and frequencies) was conducted among pediatricians (n = 34/99) to inquire about the implementation of the SDQ screening regarding feasibility, advantages, disadvantages and necessary conditions for a potential adoption of the screening to standard health services. Results: In the interviews, the pediatricians and practice staff reported that the SDQ screening embedded in routine pediatric health check-ups was simple and could be carried out in a few minutes. The screening helped to identify and address possible EBPs in children and to recommend a targeted service. Apart from the expenditure of time, no disadvantages were mentioned. As expected, parent-related (e. g. fears, attitudes and trust in the pediatrician), child-related (does not want to reveal any information about him- or herself, attitude and motivation), service provider-related (presentation of services), organizational (necessary signatures, financing, waiting time) and service-related (duration, costs, venue, designation) factors influenced the families’ use of the screening and further services. Interviewed custodians whose child participated in an indicated preventive program within the project (n = 11) would recommend the SDQ screening and preventive program to other families. In the questionnaire survey 28/31 pediatricians “completely” or “rather” agreed on a 5-point Likert scale that the SDQ screening and targeted allocation should be included in standard pediatric care. Discussion: The use of the SDQ, which is one of the most widely used and, despite its brevity, most valid screening instruments for the early detection of EBPs, in routine pediatric health check-ups and the targeted allocation of further health services represent a feasible approach to the early identification and clarification of EBPs in children as well as their allocation to indicated preventive services. Conclusion: An adoption of the novel form of care (SDQ screening and targeted allocation to indicated preventive programs and further services) to standard pediatric care unfolds its benefits if preventive and care services for EBPs in children are made available nationwide.

Translated title of the contribution
Implementation of a novel form of care for the early detection and prevention of emotional and behavioral problems in children in the pediatric setting
Qualitative interviews with pediatricians, practice staff and parents

Details

Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)92-107
Number of pages16
JournalZeitschrift fur Evidenz, Fortbildung und Qualitat im Gesundheitswesen
Volume185
Early online date19 Mar 2024
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Mendeley ac23455c-fc22-33b6-ae0c-1baa52a2a08a
unpaywall 10.1016/j.zefq.2023.12.004
ORCID /0000-0002-9687-5527/work/157767254
ORCID /0000-0003-3051-9965/work/157769177

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Indicated prevention, Mental health screening, Pediatric practice, Routine pediatric health check-ups, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire