Early identification of at-risk children: service improvement study using immunisation status

BJGP Open · 3 authors, 2 centres

AI SUMMARY

FIDELITY 100%

This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.

AGENT 01 · STRUCTURED SUMMARY

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TL;DR

The study notes limitations including small numbers, potential coding issues in GP records, and the inability to access social services records directly.

Full summary

153 CHARS

The study notes limitations including small numbers, potential coding issues in GP records, and the inability to access social services records directly.

STUDY TYPE

other

SPECIALTY

pediatrics

SUMMARISED BY

AI pipeline

FIDELITY CHECK

100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10354327

Early identification of at-risk children: service improvement study using immunisation status

BJGP Open

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ABSTRACT

Background Children who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) tend to have more physical and mental health problems when they are adults compared with people who do not have ACEs. Evidence suggests that partial or no immunisation status can be associated with factors (including ACEs) that make children at higher risk of poor outcomes than immunised children. Aim To explore the idea that ‘missed immunisations’ could be used as a proxy indicator in identifying children at risk of worse outcomes. Design & setting Service improvement study in seven GP practices in south London, UK. Method Children aged 0–3 years who were ≥3 months late for immunisations were identified; their computer notes were reviewed during interdisciplinary meetings between health visitors (HVs) and GP practice staff. A bespoke template was used to guide discussions and to record action plans. Evaluation methods included a survey of practitioners and anonymised questionnaires about care management for a sample of children. Results Issues of concern, including some ACEs (for example, domestic abuse, mental health concerns in parent), were identified in 57% of children. Ninety-four per cent of practitioners found multidisciplinary meetings useful; 62% of practitioners changed the way they thought about providing care to very young children and their families. Of the children discussed during multidisciplinary meetings, 38% subsequently caught up on immunisations. Conclusion ‘Late for immunisations’ appears to be a useful indicator for proactively identifying children with issues that make them at risk of poorer outcomes. Integrated working between GPs and HVs is important for ensuring targeted care is provided to families.

CITATION EXPORT

Rachael Gail Kilner, Adam Glen Cunliffe, Carla Stanke. Early identification of at-risk children: service improvement study using immunisation status. BJGP Open. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGPO.2022.0035

AUTHORS

3 · 2 CENTRES

Rachael Gail Kilner, Adam Glen Cunliffe, Carla Stanke

1 Herne Hill Road Medical Practice, London, UK
2 Lambeth Early Action Partnership (LEAP), London, UK