Screening for nonadherence in pediatric patients

Abstract

Screening provides the foundation for all subsequent clinical decision making. Moreover, it makes possible a preventive approach, which we argue is critical to improving the health and well-being of children. This chapter discusses the rationale for screening, lays out a blueprint for developing a psychosocial screening program, and describes our experience in implementing a screening program in a busy pediatric hospital. We focus primarily on children and youth with type 1 diabetes, as this has been an active area of our research. The chapter also links to tools clinicians can use to screen their patients, and provides guidance in their use specifically written for professionals who lack training in psychology. A version of Kazak’s Pediatric Psychosocial Preventive Health Model is presented as a guide for clinical decision-making.