This study aims to enhance pediatric primary care to make it more responsive to psychosocial needs facing many families. We hypothesized that by identifying and addressing certain problems, such as depressed mothers, parental drug use, and domestic violence, we would help decrease child abuse and neglect.~The first step was to train pediatric residents on the importance of addressing the targeted problems. Then, we developed a brief screening tool to use when children under six years came in for the regular checkups. Parents would complete this while waiting for their doctor. Finally, the doctor and/or social worker would try address any problems the parent identified.
This study aims to enhance pediatric primary care to make it more responsive to psychosocial needs facing many families. We hypothesized that by identifying and addressing certain problems, such as depressed mothers, parental drug use, and domestic violence, we would help decrease child abuse and neglect.