The outpatient developmental services project: Integration of pediatric psychology with primary medical care for children infected with HIV

Abstract

Objective: To present a model in which pediatric psychology services are programmatically integrated into the primary care of children seen in a special immunology program. The program centers around serial neurodevelopmental/neuropsychological evaluation of children infected with HIV. Method: We describe the population served and the particular services provided, with specific focus on how the program was developed. We include a discussion of the barriers to service provision that have been encountered and the strategies employed to overcome these challenges. Conclusions: This approach, while not ideal, serves as a good example of how pediatric psychology can merge with primary medical care to maximize the benefits of both specialties for a patient population that is underserved in many respects.