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Reasons
for Using
The goal of Pandora’s Box is to teach medical professionals concrete skills to help them screen for and address sensitive family problems in their young patients, including parental substance abuse, child-witnessed domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and adolescent substance abuse. This web resource provides a group of tools that individual providers can use to expand their confidence in working with patients and their families around these issues, and that various medical training programs can use to incorporate this important information into their curricula. It also provides ready resources for staff development. There are many reasons why it is crucial for education programs to include training on sensitive family issues. Primarily, sensitive family issues, including parental substance abuse, child-witnessed domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and adolescent substance abuse, are central to pediatric morbidity and mortality. For example, children of substance abusers have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, generalized stress, low self-esteem, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They are also likely to manifest their stress through physical illnesses – and access medical attention at much higher rates than their peers – such as sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal problems, headaches, enuresis, and undifferentiated symptoms such as chronic fatigue and weakness, dizziness, and lack of appetite. In addition, recent policy statements by professional associations in the field have outlined the importance of residency programs adding or expanding components that teach residents to address sensitive family issues. For example, the AAP recently updated their policy statement on alcohol use and abuse as a pediatric concern (July 2001). They have recommended that a comprehensive substance abuse curriculum be integrated into every pediatrician’s training that prepares them to screen, identify, and refer patients successfully. Pandora’s Box also specifically presents residency programs with a means of fulfilling ACGME requirements for pediatric and family practice residency programs. Using Pandora’s Box provides one more opportunity for residency programs to help residents become competent in a variety of core content areas: Pediatrics
Family Practice
On a final note, by encouraging health care providers to further explore the resources that are available for their patients in order to make effective social service referrals, Pandora’s Box expands the role of the medical provider as an active participant in the community. If you have any questions about the program, or would like to inquire about ways to expand your use of Pandora’s Box, please email us at coaf@phoenixhouse.org. |
