DBPNet Studies Variation in Assessment and Management Strategies for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder
April 20, 2012
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The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Research Network (DBPNet) is a multi-site national research network whose mission is "To conduct collaborative, interdisciplinary research in developmental and behavioral pediatrics that advances clinical practice, supports research training, and optimizes the health and functional status of children with developmental and behavioral concerns and disorders, including children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities."
DBPNet received infrastructure funding from the Maternal Child Health Bureau in September 2010 and has conducted studies to identify research priorities for the field of developmental behavioral pediatrics and to investigate research training and outcomes in developmental-behavioral pediatrics fellowship training programs. DBPNet is currently conducting its largest study to date which will describe diagnostic assessment strategies used by developmental pediatricians for children with either ASD or ADHD for at least 400 diagnostic encounters and management strategies utilized for a similar number of follow-up encounters. Similarities and variation in practice patterns across DBPNet sites will be assessed. Variations in practice may signify the need to study these different practice patterns to identify those practices that are the most effective and efficient.
Currently data collection for this study of practice variation is underway at all of the following 12 DBPNet sites: Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Boston Medical Center; Children's Hospital, Boston; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Hasbro Children's Hospital; Lucile Packard Children's Hospital; Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital; the University of Arkansas Medical Center; the University of California at Davis MIND Institute; the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; and the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. It is expected that data collection will be completed during the summer of 2012. Those interested in learning more about DBPNet should see an article that describes the development of the Network in the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics or visit the Networks website (www.dbpnet.org).
