Search

A cross-sectional study of data from a randomized, controlled trial was conducted to determine (1) provider and parent attributes associated with discussion of maternal substance use, (2) how substance use discussion related to the parent-provider relationship, and (3) whether discussion was associated with maternal attempts at behavior change. Of the 482 mothers, 34% reported discussing all 3 substance use items (smoking, alcohol, and drug use) with their child's provider. Mothers who discussed smoking were more likely to report discussing alcohol and other drug use (P < .001). Parent-provider relationship scores, measured by a modified version of the Primary Care Assessment Survey, were positively associated with discussion of each substance (P < .001). Discussion of smoking and drug use were significantly associated with attempted behavior change. Our findings suggest that discussion of parental substance use by pediatricians is positively associated with the parent-provider relationship and may lead to behavior change.

The objective of this study was to determine perceived benefits, detriments, and barriers to communication between pediatric providers and home visitors. The authors performed a cross-sectional, qualitative study consisting of 3 focus groups with paraprofessional home visitors (n=12), 6 with parents receiving home visiting (n=33), and 4 with pediatric providers whose patients received home visiting (n=19). Emerging themes were generated by an inductive analytic approach. Perceived benefits included home visitors assisting parents with communication, giving providers family information, and reinforcing providers' guidance. Detriments included parental concern of sharing confidential information and providers becoming aware of family issues for which they are unprepared to act. Barriers included parental consent, logistics of home visitor-provider communication, and providers' lack of knowledge about home visitor programs/roles. Greater coordination between home visitation programs and pediatric providers may strengthen home visiting services and reinforce advice and anticipatory guidance given by providers.