Implementation and analysis of clinic administered behavioural health screen in an outpatient paediatric cardiology clinic.

Abstract

Previous studies investigating behavioural health screening processes have focused on selected diagnoses within paediatric cardiology and focused on a smaller number of potential concerns. We developed and administered a brief survey in our paediatric heart centre to assess the presence of a wider variety of behavioural health concerns and to connect patients with resources. A cohort of 305 patients aged 2-29 years (M = 11.97 years; SD = 6.00 years; 50.49% female), representing a variety of indications for a cardiology clinic visit, or a parent, completed a survey of 14 common behavioural health concerns. Behavioural health concerns were included based on practice patterns within paediatric psychology. Respondents indicated if they were currently receiving behavioural health services and if they were interested in behavioural health follow-up. Surveys were administered during check in and collected by clinic staff. A behavioural health provider attempted to reach all those who indicated interest by phone. Approximately 45% of the sample endorsed one or more behavioural health concerns and 30.16% of the sample endorsed at least one concern but were not already connected to services. Only 27.17% of this group requested follow-up. Most commonly endorsed concerns were anxiety, sleep problems, depressed/irritable mood, and somatic complaints. Survey results converge with existing literature to indicate that behavioural health concerns are common among youth seen in a paediatric cardiology clinic but most patients are not connected to appropriate services. Screening programmes can help meet this need but challenges remain. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.