Integration of Pediatric Mental Health Care: An Evidence-Based Workshop for Primary Care Providers

IntroductionPediatric primary care providers (PCPs) are being asked to care for children with mental health (MH) disorders but cite inadequate training as a barrier. An intensive workshop may improve the PCPs’ level of knowledge and lead to an increase in quality care for children with MH disorders. We compared pediatric PCPs’ knowledge, comfort, and practice in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients with attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders before and after a 2-day educational workshop.MethodStudy participants (n = 30) were recruited from rural areas of Pennsylvania. A pre- and posttest design was used. A 15-question multiple choice knowledge test and a 19-question survey of comfort and practice were administered before and after the workshop.ResultsThe mean knowledge test number correct increased from 9.19 before the workshop to 12.23 after the workshop (p < .0001). Survey scores increased from 34.6 before the workshop to 44.14 after the workshop (p < .0001).DiscussionIntensive workshops may be an effective method of training PCPs on provision of MH care in pediatric primary care practice.