Implementation of Emotional Connection Training in Pediatric Primary Care: A mixed-methods study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Background: The intricate process of brain development occurs most rapidly in the first three years of life and depends on the complex interplay of a child’s biological and emotional responses to their environment. Training in Early Relational Health (ERH) and Emotional Connection (EC) can improve clinicians’ knowledge of and attitudes about the importance of these domains in primary care. OBJECTIVE Objective: In collaboration with Reach Out and Read and Columbia University, the Carolinas Collaborative investigated the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of implementing a curriculum that addressed the influence of ERH on child development and the observable features of EC within the pediatric well-child visit. METHODS Design/Methods: Participants completed an educational module about EC and responded to embedded surveys to evaluate the content and experience of the module. Focus groups were conducted with participants who had completed the modules to further understand the educational experience. RESULTS Results: The module was determined to be valuable to the majority of participants and feasible for completion for both residents and clinicians across all sites. Participants reported that there was a significant benefit in the information provided, and most would recommend this to other clinicians. Changes were noted in both perceptions of the importance of information about EC and knowledge acquisition. CONCLUSIONS Conclusions: Early Relational Health and Emotional Connection are foundational to healthy child development, and education about these topics can be delivered through asynchronous digital modules. CLINICALTRIAL This study was not a clinical trial and therefore did not require registration.