"Doctor, are you listening?" Communication about children's mental health and psychosocial concerns

Abstract

Effective communication is critical, including in the pediatric primary care setting. Pediatric primary care providers (PPCPs) are in a unique position to address psychosocial and mental health concerns during office visits, and effective communication skills play a crucial role in providing an opportunity for parents and patients to disclose and discuss such concerns. In this article, the authors encourage two relatively simple strategies that have shown potential for enhancing effective communication in pediatric primary care regarding mental health and psychosocial issues: (a) ensure that pediatric residents and practicing providers have access to brief, targeted communications training and (b) strongly promote the use of screening tools both to encourage discussion and to assist in identifying children who may benefit from further assessment and/or treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record