@article{ref1,
title="Implementation of SEEK in a children's advocacy center: a process improvement initiative",
journal="Pediatric quality and safety",
year="2022",
author="Letson, Megan M. and Brink, Farah W. and Daniels, Alicia and Thompson, Sandra and Wolf, Kathryn G. and Michaels, Nichole L.",
volume="7",
number="4",
pages="e573-e573",
abstract="Risk factors for child maltreatment are well-described, but clinicians may overlook these risk factors. The Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) model is an evidence-based approach to identifying psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment. This article describes a quality improvement initiative to implement the SEEK model in a unique pediatric setting, a Children's Advocacy Center. <br><br>METHODS: The objectives were to (1) describe the identification of psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment by implementing the SEEK screening tool with each new family, (2) achieve and sustain a SEEK completion rate of greater than 85%, and (3) achieve and sustain a SEEK follow-up compliance rate of greater than 75%. Structured quality improvement methods, including several plan-do-study-act cycles, were used to implement interventions. <br><br>RESULTS: The percentage of caregivers who completed the SEEK questionnaire increased from a baseline of 76% to 86%, which was sustained for more than 2 years, resulting in a better understanding and support of families' needs. Caregivers completed 3,606 SEEK Parent Questionnaire-R. Mental health concerns and food insecurity were among the most commonly endorsed items. Follow-up compliance increased from 47% to 90%, a level that has been maintained. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: While Children's Advocacy Centers evaluate children with suspected abuse, identifying current stressors in the home and linking families with resources to address their immediate psychosocial concerns can improve short- and long-term outcomes. This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating consistent screening for psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment in this busy environment.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2472-0054",
doi="10.1097/pq9.0000000000000573",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/pq9.0000000000000573"
}