Literature Collection

Understanding caretaker attitudes towards the prevention of pediatric behavioral disorders is important for the effective delivery of prevention services. Caretakers of children ages 0-18 (N = 385) read a description of pediatric prevention services in an integrated primary care setting. Attitudes towards these services were assessed. The majority of participants (80%) agreed that prevention is important, 87% reported interest in learning their child's risk for a behavioral disorder, 84% were interested in learning the results of a screen for behavioral disorders, and 88% were interested in learning parenting strategies. Participants endorsed similarly positive attitudes towards prevention in integrated care. Perceived risks outweighing perceived benefits, younger caregiver age, and identifying as non-Hispanic White predicted less favorable attitudes towards prevention. Other socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., caretaker education) were associated with disorder-specific beliefs about the importance of prevention, but not general attitudes. Findings suggest generally positive attitudes towards preventing behavioral disorders in an integrated care setting.

PURPOSE: The juncture of integrated care and professional identity is an under-researched yet critical intersection. This study aims to support the development of integration by gaining further understanding about the professional identity of integrated care team members. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Qualitative case study methodology using observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups was used to explore professional identity in three UK newly integrated, community teams. The cases were nursing (n = 17), therapy (n = 13) and mental health nursing (n = 3) professions. FINDINGS: All professions identified with their own professional group. Some new identification with the integrated teams was evident, although individual professional group identity was always salient. Key themes were professional role, perceived lack of understanding, defensiveness and security. Participants employed tactics to prove their worth, strengthen their professional identity and counteract perceived threats against their profession. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Profession specific identities should be recognised and nurtured to reduce defensiveness and counteract threat. Differences between professions should be acknowledged and space given to improve understanding between professions. When individual professional identity is supported, team members can start to form a new, additional identity within their integrated team. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Identification with professional in-groups was based on security, not discrimination against other professions. Professional groups didn't feel understood by other professional groups but still maintained respect and recognition for their expertise. Tactics employed to counteract professional identity threat included proving how busy they were.