Facilitators and Barriers to Care for Patients with Disabilities in Primary Pediatrics

Abstract

Nearly 20% of children in the United States have special health care needs, and they often experience disparities in health outcomes. This article reviews barriers to and facilitators of primary pediatric care for children within four defined categories of disability: (1) physical disabilities, both temporary and permanent; (2) chronic conditions requiring accommodations, including mental health conditions; (3) sensory disabilities and conditions; and (4) cognitive, educational, neurodevelopmental, and social disabilities. Primary care facilitators include interventions for both providers and patients that focus on time as a valued resource, provide psychosocial support, coordinate interdisciplinary teams of care, and provide training for providers. Barriers include exclusion of patients with disabilities from research trials and gaps in educational reform regarding ableism and hidden disabilities. Identified facilitators should be implemented on a larger scale, and barriers need to be addressed further so we may better support children with disabilities. [ Pediatr Ann . 2022;51(6):e243–e253.]

Mental health in children with disabilities and their families: red flags, services' impact, facilitators, barriers, and proposed solutions

“…For instance, Majnemer et al identified a lack of educational and rehabilitation resource support and psychology services for children with CP in school settings ( 45 ). Excluding individuals with NDDs from research trials and conversations around educational reform can also contribute to the lack of collaboration and communication between the system and this population ( 46 ). These limitations hinder the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services for children with NDDs and their families, and further research should evaluate the implementation of possible solutions identified.…”