The Development and Acceptability of a Comprehensive Crisis Prevention Program for Implementation in Health Care Settings.

INTRODUCTION: Behavioral crises are increasingly prevalent in health care settings. Existing programs, however, include procedures that lack adaptability, omit critical components, and deviate from clinical best-practice recommendations. Health care employees also continue to report lacking confidence for safely managing behavioral crises. AIMS: We described the development and acceptability of a comprehensive crisis prevention program and its modification for a large pediatric health care system to help remediate the limitations of existing programs. METHOD: Chi-square analyses evaluated the acceptability of the crisis prevention program pre- versus post-training and at 3- and 6-month follow-up times. For insignificant outcomes, logistical regressions identify whether responses differed between emergency-department and nonemergency-department employees. RESULTS: Chi-square analyses were significant for 10 of 15 questions suggesting that employees were more confident in managing and communicating during behavioral crises post-training, and that this confidence was maintained. Logistic regressions found that emergency-department employees differed in some responses to the acceptability questionnaire than nonemergency-department employees over time. CONCLUSION: The present crisis prevention program is adaptable to various settings and patients, and it is well received overall by employees. The safety of patients and employees is integral to the delivery of quality care and improving patient-provider relations.

Promoting resilience in vulnerable populations: focus on opioid-exposed children, siblings of children with special healthcare needs and support for children through school-based interventions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Resilience is an important factor in withstanding the health consequences of childhood adversity. This article discusses recent literature related to promoting resilience in opioid-exposed children and siblings of children with special healthcare needs. It also addresses ways that school systems can foster childhood resilience. RECENT FINDINGS: Rising rates of opioid-exposed newborns have necessitated the development of multiple strategies to address the medical and social needs of this vulnerable pediatric population. Siblings of children with special healthcare needs are a growing but sometimes overlooked group who have unique challenges that can be supported by healthcare providers. School programs that reward positive behavior and encourage self-regulation through activities like physical activity and mindfulness can foster an environment for improved youth resiliency. SUMMARY: New research has led to the development of resources that help pediatric providers assess the needs of their vulnerable patient populations and foster resilience through attention to these patients' medical, emotional and social needs. Patients benefit from national policy efforts and local school programs that each promote resilience.

Disparities in access to care in marginalized populations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current article reviews recent literature related to three groups whose health is affected by barriers to the healthcare system: refugee and immigrant populations; youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning; and those with mental health problems. RECENT FINDINGS: Refugee and immigrant populations are increasing worldwide, and recent work has focused on improving their access to mental, dental, and preventive care. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youth have unique healthcare needs but frequently lack a support system and may not be forthcoming about their sexuality or sex identity. A rising number of children are being diagnosed with mental health disorders, but due to multiple factors, youth are not receiving the care they need. SUMMARY: Pediatric healthcare providers should be aware of the unique challenges faced by youth displaced from their country of origin, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender or are questioning their sexuality or sex identity, and who struggle with mental health disorders. Toolkits, other educational resources, and novel technological advances can assist pediatricians in ensuring optimal health care of these at-risk groups.

Important considerations in adolescent health maintenance: long-acting reversible contraception, human papillomavirus vaccination, and heavy menstrual bleeding.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present article addresses recent research related to three key facets of adolescent preventive care and health maintenance: long-acting reversible contraception, human papillomavirus vaccination, and heavy menstrual bleeding. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies suggest that long-acting reversible contraception use results in significantly lower rates of unintended pregnancies, and is well tolerated by nulliparous adolescent females. Additionally, a strong recommendation from a pediatric primary care provider is extremely effective in ensuring human papillomavirus vaccination prior to sexual debut. Finally, heavy menstrual bleeding is often under-recognized in adolescents, and evaluation and treatment of these patients are variable. SUMMARY: Based on the recent literature findings, the pediatric primary care provider should be encouraged to, first, recommend long-acting reversible contraception for prevention of unintended pregnancy in adolescent patients; second, strongly endorse vaccination to protect against human papillomavirus in all patients prior to sexual debut; and, third, screen adolescent females for signs and symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Important determinants of newborn health: postpartum depression, teen parenting, and breast-feeding.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present article addresses recent research related to three important determinants of newborn health: postpartum depression, teenage parents and their offspring, and breast-feeding. RECENT FINDINGS: Postpartum depression can impact the entire family unit, and fathers may be affected more than previously recognized. Teenage mothers and their infants are at risk of a number of poor physical and mental health outcomes. New research continues to support the benefits of breast-feeding infants, and hospitals have adopted policies to improve breast-feeding rates. SUMMARY: Recognizing both maternal and paternal depression during outpatient visits is key to family well-being, as well as to infant development and attachment. Pediatric providers should address the unique emotional, socioeconomic, educational, and health needs of teen mothers. Hospital implementation of evidence-based policies may increase the number of mothers who are successful in establishing breast-feeding, and pediatric healthcare providers should be prepared to support mothers of breast-feeding infants.

Important considerations for the newborn: access to postdischarge newborn care, pulse oximetry screening for congenital heart disease, and circumcision.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article addresses three areas in which new policies and research demonstrate the opportunity to impact the health of neonates: access to postdischarge newborn care, pulse oximetry screening for congenital heart disease, and circumcision. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research has identified that child healthcare providers are not typically adhering to the recommended first newborn visit within 48 h of hospital discharge. Despite its benefits, cost-effectiveness, and the recommendation that routine screening for cyanotic congenital heart disease be added to the panel of universal newborn screening, adoption of this practice is variable. Evidence suggests a significant reduction in the transmission of HIV linked to circumcision, leading professional organizations to generate new policy statements on neonatal male circumcision. SUMMARY: Pediatric healthcare providers should pay careful attention to the timing of the first newborn outpatient follow-up visit. Pulse oximetry screening for cyanotic congenital heart disease is specific, sensitive and meets criteria for universal screening, and providers should utilize well designed screening protocols. In addition, healthcare providers for newborns, especially those who perform circumcisions, should provide nonbiased, up-to-date information on the medical, financial, and ethical aspects of the procedure.

Bullying, adverse childhood experiences and use of texting to promote behavior change.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article addresses three areas in which new research demonstrates the potential to impact the health of children and adolescents: bullying, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and texting to promote behavior change. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research on bullying emphasizes its impact on children with chronic medical conditions, and highlights cyber bullying as a rising issue. ACEs are now recognized as risk factors for many health issues, particularly mental health problems. Text messaging is a promising new method to communicate with parents and adolescent patients. SUMMARY: Pediatric healthcare providers can help patients with chronic medical problems by addressing bullying at well child visits. Screening for ACEs may identify children at risk for mental health issues. Incorporating text messaging into clinical practice can improve disease management and patient education.

Sun protection, probiotics and parental smoking cessation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article addresses three areas where new research demonstrates the potential to impact the health of children and adolescents: sun protection, probiotic use, and parental smoking cessation. RECENT FINDINGS: Skin cancer rates are rising, and sun exposure in childhood and exposure to tanning beds are important preventable risk factors. Research on the use of probiotics to treat a variety of intestinal and nonintestinal diseases is expanding. By counseling parents about smoking cessation, pediatricians can assist in decreasing childhood exposure to harmful second-hand and third-hand smoke. SUMMARY: New research on probiotic use in children shows its potential in prevention and treatment of common childhood illnesses. By finding ways to educate patients and parents on the dangers of ultraviolet radiation and smoke exposure, pediatricians can improve both short-term and long-term health of their patients.

Empiric treatment of sexually transmitted infections in a pediatric Emergency Department: are we making the right decisions?

OBJECTIVE: Limited recommendations address empiric versus delayed treatment of pediatric patients for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study investigates how frequently empiric STI treatment correlated with subsequent positive test results in an urban, high-risk pediatric emergency department (PED). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients 18 years and younger who presented to an urban PED and had testing for Neisseria gonorrhea (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). RESULTS: The positivity rate for STI among the 198 patients who met inclusion criteria was 28%. In 130 patients (66%), providers' management decision regarding use of empiric antibiotics correlated with subsequent test results. 45 patients (23%) received unnecessary antibiotics. Of the 23 patients (12%) who were positive for STI, but did not receive treatment, 43% (10) had difficulties with followup. CONCLUSIONS: Providers in high-risk pediatric populations with unreliable patient follow-up should consider having a low threshold for empiric treatment. Development of clinical decision rules and/or strategies to improve patient follow-up may help optimize empiric STI treatment decisions in the PED.

Intimate partner violence, mental health disorders, and sexually transmitted infections: important screening opportunities for pediatric healthcare providers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article addresses three critical areas where pediatric healthcare providers must employ effective screening techniques to ensure the best care for patients: intimate partner violence (IPV), mental health issues, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). RECENT FINDINGS: IPV is now recognized as an important issue impacting the health of children. While long-term outcomes secondary to positive screening results are not known, routine, sensitive questioning can identify at-risk children and help connect families to resources in the community. Routine use of validated screening tools for mental health disorders (MHDs) in the office setting is now recommended. STIs disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults, yet timely diagnosis is often challenging because infections are frequently asymptomatic and adolescents may not be forthcoming about risk-taking behaviors. There is significant opportunity for pediatricians to improve screening rates of adolescents. SUMMARY: Screening is an essential aspect of healthcare for pediatricians. An understanding of current screening recommendations for IPV, MHDs, and STIs will assist providers in earlier detection of medical problems in their patients and will likely improve patient outcomes.

Endocrine disruptors, travel-associated illness, and media violence: important health considerations for children and adolescents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article addresses three important topics that are part of contemporary life for children: endocrine disruptors, hazards of international travel, and the impact of media violence on children and adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS: Practitioners will learn about phthalates and Bisphenol-A as endocrine disruptors. In published studies, elevated phthalates were associated with an increase in pubertal gynecomastia and premature thelarche. Bisphenol-A was judged by the Food and Drug Administration as having some concern for potential effects on brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children: hence, the decision to take reasonable steps to reduce exposure of infants. In travel-related diseases, diarrheal disease (primarily Campylobacter and Salmonella), dermatologic conditions (animal bites), systemic febrile illness (malaria and dengue fever), and respiratory illnesses predominate. Children and adolescents spend more than 7 h using media per day. The degree to which media violence can be linked to behavior is not conclusive, but the prevention message for practitioners is important because parents can have an important mitigating effect. SUMMARY: Endocrine disruptors, travel-related diseases, and media violence are part of modern day life for our children. Pediatricians need to stay abreast of recent findings and have access to up-to-date resources to assist them in providing contemporary advice and guidance to patients and families.

Vitamin D deficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, and health literacy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the recent literature on three topics that are important in pediatric office practice: vitamin D deficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, and health literacy. Review of current literature will help pediatricians understand the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, its potential negative health effects, and vitamin D supplementation guidelines. This article also provides practitioners with current knowledge of the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. The article concludes with a summary of recent literature on health literacy and available techniques to improve patient education. RECENT FINDINGS: Vitamin D deficiency in pediatric and adolescent patients is extremely common and has potential negative skeletal and extra-skeletal effects. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an increasingly recognized problem. Pediatric patients benefit from early recognition and treatment of the disease. There are effective techniques that improve patient health literacy. SUMMARY: Vitamin D deficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, and poor health literacy are three important problems that potentially negatively impact the lives of children and adolescents. Pediatricians should regularly counsel their patients regarding appropriate vitamin D intake. Practitioners should be aware of the clinical presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis. Pediatricians should utilize strategies to improve patient education with the goal of improving health outcomes.