Presenter Biography

Gabriella Tangkilisan is an undergraduate research intern with the OHSU Doernbecher General Pediatrics department under the mentorship of Dr. Katharine Zuckerman. She is a pre-medine student interested in research that focuses on improving equitable healthcare, and will be graduating from undergrad in June 2024.

Institution

PSU

Program/Major

Biology and Public Health

Degree

BS

Presentation Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-4-2024 4:04 PM

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© Copyright the author(s)

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Creative Commons License or Rights Statement

IN COPYRIGHT:
© Copyright the author(s)
https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/41992

Subjects

Developmental delays, early intervention services, referral rate, Chart Stimulated Recall exercise

Abstract

Background:

Early detection and treatment of developmental disabilities (DD), including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), improves language, IQ, and adaptive outcomes. Guidelines recommend immediate referral to Early Intervention (public developmental therapy services) upon positive ASD/DD screening in infant/toddler well child checks. However, children screening positive for ASD/DD are not always referred for Early Intervention services. This project aimed to understand why pediatricians do and do not refer children with positive DD/ASD screens to early intervention.

Methods:

We conducted qualitative interviews with pediatricians who participated in a randomized trial investigating family navigation for children with autism risk. We determined pediatrician referral rates for positive ASD or DD screening using previously-collected data, then selected pediatricians with a range of referral rates for videoconference interviews. Interview guide questions probed the referral decision-making process; a Chart Stimulated Recall exercise explored clinical reasoning and management of 2 patient cases with positive screens. A coding framework was created by 3 team members. Transcripts were coded by 2 team members using a phenomenological approach; the coding framework was improved as themes emerged. Coding discrepancies were discussed by 2-3 team members and resolved by consensus.

Results:

15 pediatricians participated from 7 Oregon clinics. Analysis of interviews is ongoing. Initial results indicate 3 major themes interact to influence referral decisions: screening test results, provider’s clinical observations, and level of parental concern. Future analysis will expand these themes and evaluate the relationship between a provider’s referral rate and their decision-making process.

Conclusion:

Early Intervention referral decision making is complex. Provider perspectives may provide opportunity for targeted intervention.

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Apr 4th, 4:04 PM

Understanding Variation in Provider Referral Rates to Early Intervention for Children with Developmental Delays

Background:

Early detection and treatment of developmental disabilities (DD), including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), improves language, IQ, and adaptive outcomes. Guidelines recommend immediate referral to Early Intervention (public developmental therapy services) upon positive ASD/DD screening in infant/toddler well child checks. However, children screening positive for ASD/DD are not always referred for Early Intervention services. This project aimed to understand why pediatricians do and do not refer children with positive DD/ASD screens to early intervention.

Methods:

We conducted qualitative interviews with pediatricians who participated in a randomized trial investigating family navigation for children with autism risk. We determined pediatrician referral rates for positive ASD or DD screening using previously-collected data, then selected pediatricians with a range of referral rates for videoconference interviews. Interview guide questions probed the referral decision-making process; a Chart Stimulated Recall exercise explored clinical reasoning and management of 2 patient cases with positive screens. A coding framework was created by 3 team members. Transcripts were coded by 2 team members using a phenomenological approach; the coding framework was improved as themes emerged. Coding discrepancies were discussed by 2-3 team members and resolved by consensus.

Results:

15 pediatricians participated from 7 Oregon clinics. Analysis of interviews is ongoing. Initial results indicate 3 major themes interact to influence referral decisions: screening test results, provider’s clinical observations, and level of parental concern. Future analysis will expand these themes and evaluate the relationship between a provider’s referral rate and their decision-making process.

Conclusion:

Early Intervention referral decision making is complex. Provider perspectives may provide opportunity for targeted intervention.