Date of Publication
2019
Project Team
Marcia Bosek, DNSc, RN; Rebecca Nagle, MS, PNP, RN
Abstract
Purpose. Excess or unsafe media use by adolescents can have numerous implications on health and behavior. Pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) play an important role in helping adolescents navigate the digital age, but discussions regarding media use occur inconsistently. This project aimed to develop a routine media screening tool and promote consistent media conversations during every well child visit for adolescents age eleven and older at a pediatric practice.
Methods. This evidence-based QI project utilized a pre- and post-test design with a 30-minute educational in-service provided to PCPs. Data collection lasted for three months. All patients age eleven and older were asked to complete a social media screening form prior to their visit, and PCPs were encouraged to discuss the form during the visit. Consistency of screening was measured with data from the electronic health record (EHR).
Results. Nine pediatric PCPs participated (5 MDs, 3 NPs, 1 PA). Six PCPs (66.6%) completed pre- and post- surveys. 401 adolescents had well child visits and 318 (79.3%) completed a screening form. PCPs estimated their screening rates on pre-survey to be 77%, and 85% on post-survey. Pre-intervention, 48% of PCPs documented media screening in the EHR versus 70% after screening implementation. On post-surveys, providers reported having more comfort with media discussions, increased knowledge of guidelines, and recommended the Family Media Use Plan more frequently. Due to low sample size, statistical significance could not be determined; however, the results may be clinically significant.
Conclusion. PCPs increased media screening following the in-service and the implementation of a routine screening form. Further study is needed to investigate the impact of routine screening on adolescent behavior and health outcomes, and the efficacy of the Family Media Use Plan.
Keywords. Pediatric Primary Care; Social Media; American Academy of Pediatrics
Document Type
Project
Recommended Citation
Scribner, Emily, "Incorporating Routine Social Media Screening in Pediatric Primary Care" (2019). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 23.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/23