TY - JOUR
AU - M. James
AU - S. Krogman
AU - C. Ahlers-Schmidt
AU - K. Harris
A1 - 
AB - INTRODUCTION: Kansas faces a critical pediatric mental health (MH) workforce shortage, leaving many children without timely access to specialty care. As a result, pediatric primary care physicians (PCPs) are increasingly responsible for MH care despite limited training, time, and system support. Understanding PCP perspectives is essential to developing interventions that expand pediatric MH capacity. METHODS: A qualitative focus group was conducted at the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2025 Progress in Pediatrics Conference in Wichita, Kansas. Practicing physicians participated in guided discussions exploring experiences with pediatric MH, confidence, barriers, and recommendations. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis informed by grounded theory, with independent coding and consensus-based theme development. RESULTS: Nine resident physicians participated. They described growing awareness and acceptance of pediatric MH needs. Helpful supports included co-located MH professionals, electronic health record prompts, required training, and programs such as KAAP and KSKidsMAP. Persistent barriers included limited time, referral challenges, poor continuity, and limited knowledge of community resources. Parents were viewed as essential partners, though they sometimes hindered care because of stigma or communication difficulties. Residents felt confident managing anxiety and depression but preferred referral for more complex conditions. Participants emphasized the need for streamlined referrals, expanded training, and stronger collaborative care models. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight ongoing system- and knowledge-related barriers and reinforce the need for programs that support PCPs in addressing pediatric MH gaps in Kansas.
AD - The Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.; The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, Kansas, Department of Pediatrics.
AN - 42137394
BT - Kans J Med
C5 - Healthcare Disparities; Education & Workforce
CP - Suppl 1
DA - Mar-Apr
DO - 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25376
DP - NLM
ET - 20260422
IS - Suppl 1
JF - Kans J Med
LA - eng
N2 - INTRODUCTION: Kansas faces a critical pediatric mental health (MH) workforce shortage, leaving many children without timely access to specialty care. As a result, pediatric primary care physicians (PCPs) are increasingly responsible for MH care despite limited training, time, and system support. Understanding PCP perspectives is essential to developing interventions that expand pediatric MH capacity. METHODS: A qualitative focus group was conducted at the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2025 Progress in Pediatrics Conference in Wichita, Kansas. Practicing physicians participated in guided discussions exploring experiences with pediatric MH, confidence, barriers, and recommendations. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis informed by grounded theory, with independent coding and consensus-based theme development. RESULTS: Nine resident physicians participated. They described growing awareness and acceptance of pediatric MH needs. Helpful supports included co-located MH professionals, electronic health record prompts, required training, and programs such as KAAP and KSKidsMAP. Persistent barriers included limited time, referral challenges, poor continuity, and limited knowledge of community resources. Parents were viewed as essential partners, though they sometimes hindered care because of stigma or communication difficulties. Residents felt confident managing anxiety and depression but preferred referral for more complex conditions. Participants emphasized the need for streamlined referrals, expanded training, and stronger collaborative care models. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight ongoing system- and knowledge-related barriers and reinforce the need for programs that support PCPs in addressing pediatric MH gaps in Kansas.
PY - 2026
SN - 1948-2035 (Print); 1948-2035
SP - 11
ST - Resident Pediatricians' Reflections on Mental Health Care in Kansas: Findings from a Focus Group
T1 - Resident Pediatricians' Reflections on Mental Health Care in Kansas: Findings from a Focus Group
T2 - Kans J Med
TI - Resident Pediatricians' Reflections on Mental Health Care in Kansas: Findings from a Focus Group
U1 - Healthcare Disparities; Education & Workforce
U3 - 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25376
VL - 19
VO - 1948-2035 (Print); 1948-2035
Y1 - 2026
ER -