Pediatric Subspecialist Referrals to Peer Support for Families

Families of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) have communicated the benefits of peer support—social, emotional, and informational support provided by other families with similarly affected children. Pediatric subspecialists are often the primary medical providers for CSHCN and play a key role in educating the children’s families, but little is known about the degree to which subspecialty practices refer families to peer support. This article published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal describes a statewide online survey of California subspecialists that examined opinions on and referral practices of peer support. The survey revealed that while over 85% of subspecialists had positive views on peer support, only 40% of their practices routinely referred families for such support. Offering referrals to peer support services is compatible with pediatric subspecialty care. The authors of the article conclude that these practices can increase families’ access to peer support by better integrating peer support and family-centered care into their practices and institutions.  

Learn more about this peer support work.