Determining the Feasibility of Incorporating a Bullying Involvement Screening into Pediatric Office Visits

Abstract

Background Bullying is a serious problem that can lead to short and long-term physical and mental health problems. Many healthcare providers are reluctant to screen patients for bullying involvement because they lack education and training on bullying prevention. The objective of this study was to determine if pediatric healthcare professionals would find a bullying screening process useful. Methods A training was developed by certified bullying prevention specialists to teach healthcare providers about bullying prevention, associated health effects, and how to utilize a validated screening tool in their practices to determine adolescents’ involvement in bullying and possible related health events. Eleven pediatric practices participated. Results At project end, providers and staff completed a survey (n=66) and participated in focus group to document their experience with the project. Results demonstrated that: 1) the bullying prevention training, survey process, survey tool, and related educational materials were beneficial; 2) a need and desire exists to incorporate the tool into future pediatric visits; 3) healthcare professionals believe they have a responsibility to help patients who have been bullied. Conclusion The survey tool and process show promise for increasing healthcare providers’ knowledge about bullying prevention and likelihood of screening their adolescent patients’ for bullying involvement. The project showed the screening tool was a beneficial way for providers to engage their adolescent patients and families in conversations about bullying.