Identifying and Making Recommendations for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care Settings: A Video-Based Training

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric anxiety disorders have high rates of prevalence and confer risk for later disorders if they go undetected. In primary care, they are underdiagnosed, partly because pediatricians often lack relevant training. We developed a brief, video-based training program for pediatric residents aimed at improving early identification of anxiety disorders in primary care. METHODS: Video content was consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics Behavioral Health Competencies, as applied to the evaluation of anxiety disorders and guidance for discussing treatment options. This training can be delivered in two formats: videos (43 minutes) can be shown in a live, group-based format, or accessed via an online, asynchronous training. We tested this training program using both formats and developed surveys to evaluate knowledge about child anxiety, perceived evaluation skills, and satisfaction with the training. We also developed a video-based vignette to measure sensitivity to detecting disorders (how much the condition is interfering, diagnostic severity, and referral urgency). RESULTS: Pediatric residents from two residency programs completed the training and pre- and posttraining assessments to evaluate program efficacy. Residents’ knowledge and perceived evaluation skills increased posttraining, with large effect sizes. Residents also demonstrated increased sensitivity to detecting anxiety disorders on the vignette-based assessment and reported high levels of satisfaction. DISCUSSION: Our results suggested that residents participating in this training improved their evaluation skills and that residents found the training beneficial. Video-based trainings can significantly supplement existing education. This cost-effective and minimally burdensome training program can be used to enhance resident education in a much-needed area.