Implementation of an Anxiety Management Process in Pediatric Primary Care: An Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement Initiative.

Introduction: Pediatric anxiety is rapidly increasing, and in 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended universal anxiety screening using a validated tool for children 8-18 years.

Method: This evidence-based practice quality improvement initiative integrated an educational process, a validated anxiety screening tool, and a Caregiver Satisfaction Survey into all primary care wellness visits for patients aged 8-18 years.

Results: Significant increases in screening and referrals for mental healthcare were observed postinitiative implementation, especially in ages 8-11 years. Anxiety diagnosis and referral for treatment increased from 6.1% to 21.3%, demonstrating the importance of screening and early action at a younger age than previously recommended. However, many telephone follow-ups to caregivers for mental health referrals were unanswered.

Discussion: Integrating mental health services within pediatric primary care settings is recommended to increase timely treatment accessibility. Results from this initiative may be transferable to other primary care practices.