Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions
AimThis study aimed to evaluate a clinical project aiming to address gaps in healthcare for young children in an immigrant, low-resource district from early identification of regulatory problems, autism, and other neurodevelopmental symptoms by child health services to assessment and interventions i...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Pediatrics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1501650/full |
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| author | Gudrun Nygren Gudrun Nygren Christopher Gillberg Emilia Carlsson Emilia Carlsson |
| author_facet | Gudrun Nygren Gudrun Nygren Christopher Gillberg Emilia Carlsson Emilia Carlsson |
| author_sort | Gudrun Nygren |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | AimThis study aimed to evaluate a clinical project aiming to address gaps in healthcare for young children in an immigrant, low-resource district from early identification of regulatory problems, autism, and other neurodevelopmental symptoms by child health services to assessment and interventions in specialist care.MethodsA mixed-model design was employed, consisting of a description of the clinical project and data from healthcare statistics to evaluating the care chain. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to capture the perspectives of participating child health nurses. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe mean age for referral from primary to specialist care for suspected autism decreased from 38 to 27 months at (n = 59). A total of 55 children were diagnosed with autism. The mean age at autism diagnosis decreased from 44 to 31 months. Waiting times from referral to intervention were shortened. Interventions were already initiated in primary care at the time of referral. Qualitative analyses of nurse experiences revealed three main categories: (1) new and increased knowledge, (2) great importance for every child and family, and (3) an efficient method with fewer gaps, which holds further potential for development.ConclusionProfessionals’ increased knowledge of early symptoms in children, combined with novel healthcare methods for close collaboration, made it possible to bridge the gaps and provide young children and their families with early assessments and essential early interventions. The study results point to opportunities for integrated healthcare and collaboration with families and preschools. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6528b111248541a4ac83d7a1cf24940e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2296-2360 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Pediatrics |
| spelling | doaj-art-6528b111248541a4ac83d7a1cf24940e2025-02-06T07:10:26ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pediatrics2296-23602025-02-011310.3389/fped.2025.15016501501650Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditionsGudrun Nygren0Gudrun Nygren1Christopher Gillberg2Emilia Carlsson3Emilia Carlsson4Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SwedenChild and Adolescent Specialist Centre, Angered Hospital, SV Hospital Group, Gothenburg, SwedenGillberg Neuropsychiatry Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SwedenGillberg Neuropsychiatry Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SwedenInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SwedenAimThis study aimed to evaluate a clinical project aiming to address gaps in healthcare for young children in an immigrant, low-resource district from early identification of regulatory problems, autism, and other neurodevelopmental symptoms by child health services to assessment and interventions in specialist care.MethodsA mixed-model design was employed, consisting of a description of the clinical project and data from healthcare statistics to evaluating the care chain. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to capture the perspectives of participating child health nurses. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe mean age for referral from primary to specialist care for suspected autism decreased from 38 to 27 months at (n = 59). A total of 55 children were diagnosed with autism. The mean age at autism diagnosis decreased from 44 to 31 months. Waiting times from referral to intervention were shortened. Interventions were already initiated in primary care at the time of referral. Qualitative analyses of nurse experiences revealed three main categories: (1) new and increased knowledge, (2) great importance for every child and family, and (3) an efficient method with fewer gaps, which holds further potential for development.ConclusionProfessionals’ increased knowledge of early symptoms in children, combined with novel healthcare methods for close collaboration, made it possible to bridge the gaps and provide young children and their families with early assessments and essential early interventions. The study results point to opportunities for integrated healthcare and collaboration with families and preschools.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1501650/fullcoordinated healthcarecollaborationincreased knowledgetraining of medical staffregulatory problemsautism |
| spellingShingle | Gudrun Nygren Gudrun Nygren Christopher Gillberg Emilia Carlsson Emilia Carlsson Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions Frontiers in Pediatrics coordinated healthcare collaboration increased knowledge training of medical staff regulatory problems autism |
| title | Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions |
| title_full | Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions |
| title_fullStr | Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions |
| title_short | Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions |
| title_sort | bridging gaps in healthcare child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions |
| topic | coordinated healthcare collaboration increased knowledge training of medical staff regulatory problems autism |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1501650/full |
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