This article systematically reviews published literature on different continuity of care (COC) indices that assess the physician-patient relationship and the applicability of such indices to pediatric and chronic-disease patient populations. Frequency and visit type may vary for pediatric and chronically ill patients versus healthy adult patients. Two investigators independently examined 5,070 candidate articles and identified 246 articles related to COC. Forty-four articles were identified that include 32 different indices used to measure COC. Indices were classified into those that calculated COC primarily based on duration of provider relationship (n=2), density of visits (n=17), dispersion of providers (n=8), sequence of providers (n=1), or subjective estimates (n=4). The diversity of COC indices reflect differences in how this measure is conceptualized. No index takes into account the visit type. A unique index that reflects continuity in the physician patient relationship for pediatric and chronic disease populations is needed.

Parents want to discuss their ACEs and receive help and guidance from pediatricians. Furthermore, they perceive their child's pediatrician as having an important role to play in meeting their parenting goals. It is important to ensure that pediatricians have the training, skills and familiarity with available resources to meet parental expectations. (PsycINFO Database Record

Systematic screening using the ASQ-SE increased the detection rate for social-emotional problems among young children in foster care, compared to provider surveillance and the ASQ. A specific social-emotional screening tool appears to detect children with psychosocial concerns who would not be detected with a broader developmental screening tool.

Systematic screening for DD using the ASQ was feasible and seemed to double the detection of DDs.