From HRSA Grant to Medical Practice: Improving Care for Children and Adolescents in a Family Medicine Residency Clinic

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an ideal primary care model for patients across the lifespan. Family Medicine (FM) practice and training often address adults more than children/adolescents. Few studies describe the efficacy of education programs seeking to enhance PCMH-based care of children/adolescents. At the Brown FM Residency in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (RI), from 2015-2020, we aimed to enhance care of children/adolescents through a HRSA-funded program that enhanced PCMH-based care for children/adolescents and related resident education. Our mixed- methods evaluation assessed learner experiences. Vaccination data assessed patient impact. 119/155 (77%) residents completed surveys over four years and learning and performance improved, especially in PCMH principles and behavorial health (BH) competencies. Vaccination rates improved. Qualitative interviews supported quantitative results. Enhancing care for children/adolescents within a FM residency clinic requires a multi-pronged approach. This initiative improved children/adolescents' care and increased residents' learning and performance.