Is Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Training Related to Perceived Responsibility for Treating Mental Health Problems?

• Published in: Academic pediatrics 2010-07, Vol.10 (4), p.252-259
• Main Authors: Horwitz, Sarah McCue, PhD, Caspary, Gretchen, PhD, Storfer-Isser, Amy, MS, Singh, Manpreet, MD, Fremont, Wanda, MD, Golzari, Mana, MD, Stein, Ruth E.K., MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Behavioral Medicine - education; Clinical Competence; Female; Humans; Internship and Residency - organization & administration; Male; Mental Disorders - diagnosis; Mental Disorders - therapy; mental health; Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine; pediatric residents; Pediatrics; Pediatrics - education; Physician's Role; primary care; Psychology, Child - education; resident education/training; screening
• ISSN: 1876-2859; 1876-2867
• DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2010.03.003

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate training in developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP) for graduating residents, their competencies in diagnosing and treating child mental health (MH) problems, and whether the amount of DBP training and/or perceived competencies are associated with perceived responsibility for treating 3 MH problems. Methods Data were collected from 636 residents who completed the American Academy of Pediatrics's 2007 Graduating Residents Survey. The survey included questions on training and self-rated competencies in multiple MH skill areas and perceived responsibility for identifying and treating/managing children's MH problems. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between training, competencies, and perceived responsibility for treating/managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression. Results Ninety percent of respondents completed a DBP rotation, with 86% reporting >3 to 4 weeks of training. Duration of DBP rotation was related to training and perceived competencies in MH skill areas, and nearly all residents who reported high competencies were trained in those skill areas. However,