Community-Recruited Parent Perspectives of Concern Dismissal by Pediatric Providers

Julia B. Tager, Amy C. Lang, Jocelyn Jarvis, Michael H. Farrell, W. Hobart Davies

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Effective communication is a central tenet of family centered care, yet parent concerns are sometimes un- or underattended to by pediatric providers. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of, and factors related to, parental perceptions of concern dismissal by pediatric providers. Method: In Spring 2020, 270 community-recruited parents of children ages 6–12 years (74% White, 74% female, 69% married) responded to an online survey about perceived concern dismissal experiences with their children. Characteristics of concern dismissal, differences in concern dismissal occurrence by parent factors, and emotional and practical impacts were assessed and explored. Results: Thirty-three percent reported having experienced concern dismissal, most often in pediatric primary care settings. Concern dismissal was reported more frequently among parents employed in health care settings than those without health care employment histories. Most dismissed concerns related to the child's physical health and many incidents were characterized by provider impoliteness or provision of less testing or treatment than expected or desired. Many parents expressed disappointment in the health care system after experiences of concern dismissal. Discussion: Concern dismissal was found to be common and upsetting for community-recruited parents. Future research should incorporate child and provider perspectives with demographically diverse samples. Pediatric providers should continue to work toward implementation of family centered care to decrease the likelihood of perceived dismissal by thoroughly recognizing and responding to concerns presented by parents and caregivers of pediatric patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)297-307
Number of pages11
JournalFamilies, Systems and Health
Volume41
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 12 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 American Psychological Association

Keywords

  • concern dismissal
  • family centered care
  • provider-family communication

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article

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