Training Pediatric Residents in Behavioral Health Collaboration: Roles,Evaluation,and Advocacy for Pediatric Psychologists

Abstract

Objective: This commentary describes the current state of pediatric resident training in behavioral health and highlights specific pediatric residency training modalities that may be facilitated or enhanced by involvement of pediatric psychologists. Method: Several calls to action have been made recently by pediatrics organizations around the need to improve behavioral health training in residency programs. A growing body of literature suggests that behavioral health clinicians’ involvement in pediatric residency training, particularly in the context of the integrated behavioral health (IBH) model, is highly valued and sought after by residency program training directors as a mechanism to improve behavioral health competencies and collaboration. This literature base is reviewed through the lens of potential applications by pediatric psychologists. Results: Incorporating pediatric psychologists into the day-to-day training and functioning of pediatric residents through didactic as well as clinical service exposure has been recommended as a means to facilitate learning enhancement in behavioral health service delivery and team-based care. Conclusion: Systematic evaluation and advocacy on behalf of pediatric psychologists’ involvement in pediatric residency training in behavioral health is a timely next step in addressing a recognized need in the field of pediatrics.

Implications for Impact Statement

Primary care pediatricians often function as first line providers for behavioral health concerns, despite reporting a lack of training in this area during residency. Pediatric psychologists may be uniquely positioned to facilitate and/or enhance primary care pediatrician competencies in managing behavioral health concerns, particularly when practicing as a team in the context of an integrated behavioral health (IBH) model through enhanced camaraderie and communication, shared treatment plans, and efficient team work. Delineating roles and evaluating outcomes demonstrating enhanced learning associated with those roles is a timely step in advocating for the added value that pediatric psychologists offer to pediatrics residency training programs.