Pediatric Primary Care Providers' Use of Behavioral Health Consultation

Psychiatr Serv. 2017 Jun 1;68(6):531-534. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201600479. Epub 2017 May 15.

Abstract

This column describes a qualitative study in which 32 primary care providers (PCPs) reported barriers to and facilitators of using a behavioral health (BH) consultation program. Barriers included program incompatibility with organizational culture, limited exposure to the program, existing access to referral sources, and negative beliefs about BH consultation. Reported facilitators included having personal relationships with BH program staff, exposure to program information, and positive beliefs about BH consultation. PCPs recommended outreach activities and optimal program features to increase use of BH consultation.

Keywords: Primary care; Quality improvement; Research/service delivery.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Child
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Organizational Culture
  • Pediatrics*
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Referral and Consultation*