Clinical pediatrics
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Clinical pediatrics · Feb 1997
Primary care physician access and gatekeeping: a key to reducing emergency department use.
Use of the Emergency Department (ED) for nonurgent conditions results in increased cost and discontinuous health care. This prospective study evaluated a program (KenPAC) that required 24-hour access to a primary care physician (PCP) with ED gatekeeping responsibility. ⋯ Parental experience, as judged by age and number of children, played a significant role in ED use. The institution of gatekeeping activity contributed to the reduced overall and inappropriate use of the ED.
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Clinical pediatrics · Feb 1997
You won't know unless you ask: the biopsychosocial interview for adolescents.
In order to impact morbidity and mortality of adolescents, the health care provider must not only determine the risk status of the teenager but also take time to provide appropriate guidance and interventions. We have developed the West Virginia University Adolescent Risk Score, which is more inclusive than similar screening techniques and requires an 8 +/- 3-minute interview. This format facilitates specific guidance, provides documentation of risk status, and is readily accessible on future visits. Our data provide the basis for planning and research regarding the effectiveness of interventions.