Use of Colocated Multidisciplinary Services to Address Family Psychosocial Needs at an Urban Pediatric Primary Care Clinic

Abstract

Objective. To examine associations between use of on-site multidisciplinary services at a pediatric primary care clinic, perceptions of the clinic, and health care utilization. Study Design. Eighty caregivers were interviewed during clinic visits assessing on-site service use, satisfaction, and perception of the clinic as a medical home. Acute care, emergency department, and well-child visit data were abstracted from children’s medical records. Student’s t test and multivariate regression were used to examine associations between service use, satisfaction, and health care utilization. Results. Use of ≥3 clinic services was associated with improved satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire–8 mean: 31.8 vs 31.0, P < .05), stronger perception of the clinic as a medical home (Parents’ Perception of Primary Care mean: 97.6 vs 93.4, P < .01), and increased missed well-child care visits (mean: 0.49 vs 0.20, P < .05). Conclusions. On-site service use was associated with improved caregiver satisfaction but decreased well-child visit adherence. Caregivers using support services may face barriers to accessing preventive care.