Primary Care Perspectives on a Pediatric Mental Healthcare Access (PMHCA) Program.

Abstract

It is suggested that collaborative mental health models, like those used in pediatric mental health care access (PMHCA) programs, can enhance youth mental health care by boosting physicians' and other healthcare professionals' (PHCPs) confidence and skills in treating pediatric psychiatric disorders. This study assessed the impact of a PMHCA program on PHCPs by identifying key themes in semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with PHCPs enrolled in KSKidsMAP between July 2019 and March 2022. Three researchers independently reviewed transcripts to identify themes with discrepancies resolved through consensus. Demographic data are presented as frequencies and percentages. The 25 participants included physicians (<i>n</i> = 14; 56%), nurse practitioners (<i>n</i> = 8; 32%), and other mental healthcare clinicians (<i>n</i> = 3; 12%). Seven themes were identified: (1) Awareness and Education; (2) Resources and Access to Care; (3) Comfort and Confidence; (4) Visibility; (5) Collaboration; (6) Reimbursement and Financial Barriers; and (7) Holistic Care. Program benefits included enhancing PHCPs' skills and pediatric access to mental health care. Recommendations for improvement included expanding specialist services and increasing program visibility. Key areas to improve pediatric mental health care included better education, workforce expansion, interprofessional collaboration, and reimbursement reform. Data highlight the benefits of PMHCA programs in supporting PHCPs' provision of pediatric mental health care.