Incredible Years Impact On Pediatric Health Services Utilization

2019

Pediatric health services utilization (pHSU) by children with mental health conditions demonstrated dramatic increases between 2006 and 2011. These national trends reflecting large increases in pHSU for mental health conditions were seen across multiple developmental levels. Health services costs for children with mental health conditions are estimated to be twice those for the average child. The Incredible Years Parent Program (IY) has a strong evidence-base supporting its effectiveness in reducing early onset conduct problems. The overall objective of this stage 3 (T3) translational research proposal is to conduct a pilot study of 45 pediatrician-referred parents who participate in IY and examine the impact of IY on pHSU of their children. Our central hypothesis is that children ages 3 to 6 years with behavior concerns whose parents are referred by their pediatricians for participation in IY will have decreased mean annual all-cause pHSU and decreased ED visits for mental health conditions in the 12 months following IY, compared to the 24 months prior to IY participation. Results of this pilot study are expected to provide preliminary data on pre- and post-intervention effect sizes; these data will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of collecting data using existing sources of pHSU to design a more fully powered multi-site trial with a robust comparator group. This research fits well with the national priorities and research agenda of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for future funding proposals.

Incredible Years, Pediatric Health Services Utilization

Performing Research or Evaluation

Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

None

Not Applicable

N/A