Primary care experiences of providing mental healthcare for children in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The increased demand for mental healthcare associated with the COVID-19 pandemic adds to the already high unmet mental health needs among paediatric patients, resulting in a declared 'mental health emergency'. The study objective was to describe paediatric primary care providers (PCPs') experience of meeting their patients' needs for mental healthcare during the pandemic and to identify opportunities to optimise care.

Methods

19 paediatricians and 2 nurse practitioners completed a 30 min video interview in May 2021. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and transcripts were analysed using consensual qualitative research methods.

Results

Participants reported marked increases in patient mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included new

SUBMITTER: Garbutt J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9272128 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature