Improving how primary care identifies and connects families to mental health and support services.

Using process mapping to optimize the integration of child psychosocial screenings in primary care, promote whole-person care, and increase family linkages to behavioral and safety net services

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11045981

This study is looking at how doctors can better check for important emotional and social needs in kids and their families, like safety at home and having a place to live, so they can help connect them to the right support and services for better health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11045981 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the way primary care providers screen for psychosocial needs in children and their caregivers, such as exposure to violence and housing insecurity. By using a method called Process Service Mapping, the study aims to identify and improve the pathways that families take to access necessary services after screenings. The goal is to ensure that families receive appropriate referrals and follow-up support, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for children. The research will be conducted within a large safety net healthcare system, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are families with children who have undergone psychosocial screenings in primary care settings.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have children or those who are not engaged in primary care services may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to essential mental health and support services for children and their families.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that optimizing service pathways can significantly improve access to care, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.