The recent study assessed whether residents who trained with a colocated or integrated behavioral/mental health professional (B/MHP) reported greater competence in assessing and managing behavioral/mental health (B/MH) conditions than those who trained without an onsite B/MHP. It hypothesized that having an onsite B/MHP would be associated with greater self-reported competence, especially if integrated into the clinic.

It set outcome variables as self-reported competence in 7 B/MH assessment skills and nine treatment skills, summarized as two composite measures. It assessed relationships between independent and outcome variables, adjusting for covariates, including individual and residency program characteristics.

The study observed-

• Among 1503 eligible respondents, 42.9% reported no onsite B/MHP, 26.0% a colocated B/MHP, and 31.1% an integrated B/MHP.
• Respondents with a colocated B/MHP had greater levels of B/MH assessment competence and treatment competence than those without B/MHP.
• Respondents with an integrated B/MHP similarly reported greater odds of assessment and treatment competence than the reference group.

Thus, Pediatric trainees′ competence in addressing B/MH conditions may be improved with onsite B/MHP training within a continuity clinic, regardless of the specific mechanisms tested.

Green C, Leyenaar JK, Nuncio B, Leslie LK. Association of Behavioral and Mental Health Professionals in Continuity Clinic with Resident-Reported Competence. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2022;248:15-20. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.05.012