Financial incentive program for providers reduces pediatric ED visits
July 4th 2019A physician incentive program (PIP) that provides primary care providers (PCPs) with bonuses tied to specific goals to decrease pediatric emergency department (ED) use significantly decreases such visits, according to a retrospective analysis involving 1376 PCPs who participated in the PIP.
WIC food-package changes align with decline in obesity risk
July 2nd 2019An evaluation of national and state-level trends in obesity prevalence among 2- to 4-year-old participants in the US Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) found that the changes in the 2009 WIC food packages to better align with dietary guidelines are associated with a decline in the risk of obesity among these children.
Tackling bullying in the medical arena
June 27th 2019Bullying has been identified in relatively recent years as a medical problem in addition to being a social problem. Here's how the article "How to identify and treat bullying" highlights evidence- based recommendations for both prevention and identification of affected children and seeks to help us maximize the impact of the care we give our patients.
New insights on the impact of paternal parenting
June 24th 2019Covering the father as both parent and influential partner in childrearing from preconception to entrance into young adulthood, this issue provides the foundation for thoughtful consideration of how we, as nurse practitioners, can address paternal parenting and apply the past 10 years of research results on fathers to better inform our practices.
Fuzzy brown spots on a healthy 3-year-old
June 19th 2019A healthy 3-year-old girl presents for evaluation of light brown spots on her trunk and extremities that have appeared over the last 2 years. The spots are not symptomatic but the girl’s parents are worried that she could have neurofibromatosis.
Developmental screening via phone increases referrals
June 17th 2019Young children whose parents are screened via telephone about their offspring’s development are far more likely to be referred for evaluation and to receive services than children who receive usual care from their primary care provider (PCP), a randomized trial involving 152 youngsters found.
Riddle me this: The making of a bully
June 14th 2019This month’s Riddle Me This! online quiz explores the study evidence to reveal some unexpected traits, risk factors, and trajectories for these children. Are there common functional skills traits in younger bullies? What does the literature say about the familial linkage of bullying-is it learned at home?
How to identify and treat bullying
Bullying is a preventable health problem that has lasting impacts. Pediatricians need to screen patients for risk factors, empower families with coping skills, and advocate for antibullying resources in their communities.
Fathers’ influence on development and well-being of children
June 12th 2019Despite the growing involvement of fathers in their children’s lives, there persists a lack of focus on fathers in pediatric care. Updated guidelines can help pediatricians to better engage fathers in the care of their children.
Living near greenspace reduces children’s risk of mental health problems
June 7th 2019Living in a dwelling that is close to greenspace reduces youngsters’ risk for behaviors associated with neurobehavioral problems. This relationship varies with the type of behavior, the child’s age, and the proximity of the greenspace, according to a study conducted in an ongoing prospective birth cohort.
Fever and neck swelling in a teenaged girl
June 6th 2019A previously healthy 15-year-old female presents to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of right-sided neck swelling, pain, decreased range of motion, and fever for 3 days. She also reports a sore throat and mouth pain with decreased oral intake. She denies any rhinorrhea, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or dental pain. What's the diagnosis?