Background: Epidemiological data suggest increasing prevalence of developmental delays and disabilities in the United States. Primary care clinicians are often responsible for managing developmental concerns without support from developmental-behavioral pediatricians or other subspecialty clinicians. However, primary care clinicians have reported having insufficient time and training to properly assist patients with challenging developmental or behavioral circumstances. The patient population at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (BCHO) consists of families with particular risk factors that predispose children to developmental delays and disabilities, while also acting as barriers to accessing care. This study aimed to understand clinicians’ experiences working with this pediatric population at BCHO.

Research Question: Among pediatric clinicians at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (BCHO), what are the experiences and perceived challenges in providing developmental pediatric care to children with developmental delays or disabilities?

Mentors: Dr. Susanne Martin Herz, MD, PhD and Shannon Fuller, MS