Parent–provider communication and parental satisfaction with care of children with psychosocial problems

Objective The objective of the present paper was to determine the association between parent–provider communication and parent ratings of satisfaction and quality of care for a group of parents of children identified with a psychosocial problem. Methods A sample of 804 parents of children with psychosocial concerns enrolled in the Child Behavior Study (CBS) was used for the present analyses. As part of the CBS, parents of children with psychosocial problems answered questions that assessed parent–provider communication and parent ratings of satisfaction and quality of care. Results Overall, parents reported good communication with their child's provider. Eighty-two percent of parents were very satisfied with the care received and 68% reported a very high quality of care. Parent–provider communication (e.g., collaboration and mutual understanding) was strongly related to parental reports of both satisfaction and quality of care. Conclusions Parent–provider communication is an important correlate of parental report of satisfaction and quality of care. Involvement of parents in the treatment planning process was particularly important in determining satisfaction and quality ratings within this sample. Practice implications When working with families with identified psychosocial concerns, the use of collaboration and an empathic style by providers may enhance the quality of care parents report receiving from their primary care clinicians.