Universal Psychosocial Screening in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Control Trial.
Rebecca Liu, Alyssa Chong, Jeffrey N Bone et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated universal psychosocial screening with MyHEARTSMAP among 289 children admitted through an emergency department. Children assigned to screening completed the tool during their hospital stay, with results shared with clinicians; controls received standard care and completed it after discharge. Overall, psychosocial intervention was more frequent with screening, but the difference was not statistically significant (40.4% vs 32.9%; RR = 1.28, 95% CI [0.95, 1.73], p = .109). Among children with positive screens, intervention was significantly more frequent in the screening group (41.3% vs 25.1%; RR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.04, 2.46], p = .0318).
Key findings
- Overall psychosocial intervention rates were 40.4% with screening and 32.9% with standard care; the difference was not statistically significant (RR = 1.28, 95% CI [0.95, 1.73], p = .109).
- Among children with positive screens, intervention rates were 41.3% in the screening group and 25.1% in controls (RR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.04, 2.46], p = .0318).
- Engagement with recommended services at 3 months post-discharge was overall modest.
Why it matters
Hospital admission may provide an opportunity to identify psychosocial concerns in children and connect them with support. The findings suggest that sharing screening results with clinicians may be particularly relevant for children who screen positive, although the overall intervention difference was uncertain. Modest follow-up engagement also indicates that identifying needs does not necessarily ensure families access recommended services.
What to keep in mind
The overall intervention difference was not statistically significant, and engagement with recommended services at 3 months was modest.