Uzzell Jennifer, Dunlap Jayne Jennings, Wilson Jennifer, Thaxton Cheryl
J Pediatr Health Care. 2025 Mar-Apr;39(2):255-264. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.11.016. Epub 2025 Jan 9.
Pediatric anxiety is rapidly increasing, and in 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended universal anxiety screening using a validated tool for children 8-18 years.
This evidence-based practice quality improvement initiative integrated an educational process, a validated anxiety screening tool, and a Caregiver Satisfaction Survey into all primary care wellness visits for patients aged 8-18 years.
Significant increases in screening and referrals for mental healthcare were observed postinitiative implementation, especially in ages 8-11 years. Anxiety diagnosis and referral for treatment increased from 6.1% to 21.3%, demonstrating the importance of screening and early action at a younger age than previously recommended. However, many telephone follow-ups to caregivers for mental health referrals were unanswered.
Integrating mental health services within pediatric primary care settings is recommended to increase timely treatment accessibility. Results from this initiative may be transferable to other primary care practices.
儿童焦虑症正在迅速增加，2022年，美国预防服务工作组建议使用经过验证的工具对8至18岁的儿童进行普遍焦虑筛查。
这项基于证据的实践质量改进计划将一个教育过程、一个经过验证的焦虑筛查工具和一份照顾者满意度调查纳入了针对8至18岁患者的所有初级保健健康检查中。
在该计划实施后，心理健康护理的筛查和转诊显著增加，尤其是在8至11岁的年龄段。焦虑症诊断和治疗转诊从6.1%增加到21.3%，这表明在比之前建议的更年轻的年龄进行筛查和早期干预的重要性。然而，许多针对心理健康转诊给照顾者的电话随访无人接听。
建议在儿科初级保健机构中整合心理健康服务，以提高及时治疗的可及性。该计划的结果可能适用于其他初级保健机构。
