An Evaluation of an Integrated Health Care Program for Children With Special Needs

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate a program integrating physical and mental health services for children with special health care needs. Clinical outcomes were assessed by comparing families in integrated clinics (N = 80) with families in traditional clinics (N = 36). Parents and children ages 8 to 16 completed a series of questionnaires to assess differences in child behavior and coping, parents' perceptions of child vulnerability, and parent well-being and coping. Demographic variables and child's health status were also assessed with questionnaires and controlled for in subsequent analyses. There were no differences between groups on demographic variables or health status, though children in the integrated clinics had been diagnosed at an earlier age. Parents in the integrated program reported significantly fewer behavioral symptoms than parents in the nonintegrated clinics. Significantly fewer children from integrated clinics were in the clinical range for poor school functioning compared to children in nonintegrated clinics. No differences emerged in coping or parent well-being. Results provide preliminary support for integrating health and mental health care services for children with special needs. Suggestions for improving future evaluation efforts and clinical practice are discussed.