40% Of Specialty Pediatrician Practices Frequently Refer Families To Peer Support Services

About 40% of pediatrician practices frequently referred families to peer support services, according to interviews with pediatric subspecialists in California during 2022. About 85% of those interviewed reported having positive opinions about the value of peer support for families with children who have special health care needs.

The interview participants who offered peer support referrals said they made the referrals to services inside and outside their institutions based on each family’s needs and preferences. Those who were most commonly responsible for making such referrals included social workers and family liaisons. They said care team collaboration and ease of sharing . . .