Published online August 24, 2009
PEDIATRICS Vol. 124 No. 3 September 2009, pp. 858-865 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2352)

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ARTICLE

What Do Families Want From Well-Child Care? Including Parents in the Rethinking Discussion

Linda Radecki, MS^a, Lynn M. Olson, PhD^a, Mary Pat Frintner, MSPH^a, J. Lane Tanner, MD, FAAP^b and Martin T. Stein, MD, FAAP^c

^a Department of Research, American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
^b Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital & Research Center at Oakland, Oakland, California
^c Division of Child Development and Community Health, University of California, San Diego, California

OBJECTIVE: The content and systems surrounding well-child care have received increasing attention, and some propose that it is time to rethink both the delivery structure and central themes of well-child visits. A key, but largely missing perspective in these discussions has been that of parents, whose experiences and expectations are central to developing approaches responsive to family needs. In this study, we asked parents to address several core issues: why they attend well-child visits; aspects of well-child care that they find most valuable; and changes that could enhance the well-child care experience.

METHODS: Twenty focus groups with parents (n = 131 [91% mothers]) were conducted by using a semistructured interview guide. Verbatim transcripts were coded for key words, concepts, and recurrent themes.

RESULTS: Primary reasons for visit attendance included reassurance (child and parent) and an opportunity to discuss parent priorities. Families valued an ongoing relationship with 1 clinician who was child-focused and respected parental expertise, but continuity of provider was not an option for all participants. Suggestions for enhancement included improved promotion of well-child care, greater emphasis on development and behavior, and expanded options for information exchange.

CONCLUSIONS: As the consumers of care, it is critical to understand parents' needs and desires as changes to the content and process of well-child care are considered. Taking into account the multifaceted perspectives of families suggests both challenges and opportunities for the rethinking discussion.

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Key Words: well-child care • parents • pediatric primary care • health supervision • preventive care • developmental care • family-centered care

Abbreviations: AAP—American Academy of Pediatrics

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Accepted Mar 24, 2009.

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