Pediatrician and Parent-Reported Interest in Technology-Based Positive Parenting Promotion

Pediatric settings are a promising venue for detecting and responding to behavioral health problems in young children, in part by promoting evidence-based parenting strategies. Technology in pediatrics could enhance the feasibility of behavioral health services within pediatrics, but must first be accepted by pediatricians and parents. This report describes pediatrician and parent interest in using technology within pediatrics for behavioral health. Sixty pediatricians and 50 parents of young children were surveyed. Overall, results suggest that many parents are already using pediatrics for behavioral health services, and that the majority of pediatricians and parents are open to using technology for behavioral health screening, anticipatory guidance, and parent training. Further steps are needed to develop technology-based approaches to behavioral health in pediatrics in order to connect parents with evidence-based parenting information.