Improving Pediatric Primary Care Providers' Knowledge of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Through a Phone Consultation Line.

Abstract

Objectives: Developmental behavioral concerns comprise a large proportion of referrals in primary care. Access to Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics' (DBP) expertise is limited, with long wait-times to access care. We describe usage of a new DBP phone consult line, regarding diagnostic questions, recommended resources, and to assess contribution to pediatric primary care providers' (PCPs) knowledge and confidence in managing developmental and behavioral issues.

Methods: This study has 2 components: (1) A retrospective review of consultation call-records between July 2023 to December 2025, describing utilization of DBP call line, including demographics, diagnostic questions, types of recommendations, and contribution to expediting appropriate interventions. (2) A prospective PCP survey to determine PCP satisfaction with recommendations and perceived learning of new information and skills for the management of DBP concerns.

Results: A total of 362 consultations were completed. The average wait time for consultation was 10.7 days, significantly shorter than typical in-person DBP assessment wait times (averaging a year or more). Consultations addressed a broad range of developmental and behavioral concerns, and provided guidance on diagnosis, management, and care coordination. Most patients (85.7%) accessed appropriate interventions without or before referral. PCPs reported high satisfaction (89.7%) and learning new information applicable to future patients (79.3%).

Conclusion: A new DBP phone consultation line improves timely access to DBP expertise. It facilitates collaborations between PCPs and DBPs to support PCP clinical decision-making. In addition to decreasing delays in accessing interventions, this model aligns with adult learning principles, to yield high provider satisfaction, enabling PCPs to apply newly acquired knowledge to future patient care.