Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Repeated Referrals Within a Pediatric Navigation Program

Abstract

Approximately 1-in-5 children have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, and/or developmental disorder or delay by age 8 in the United States. Children with such conditions often require complex, complicated diagnostic and specialty care, making them susceptible to repeated referrals and ongoing unmet healthcare needs. Patient navigation programs (PNPs) are designed to integrate care from primary care providers to community-based services, using trained navigators to help patients and their families manage referrals and connect with referred services. This study examines factors associated with repeated referrals to an active PNP to inform ongoing referral patterns and adaptations to standard navigation support within a large healthcare system in South Carolina (SC). Data is sourced from the inception of the PNP in 2017 through 2022, including 15,702 referrals. Overall, 71.07% had no repeated referrals. Children who are older, diagnosed with attention deficit disorder(s), behavioral concerns, depression, multiple referral needs, and insured by Medicaid were found to be most susceptible to repeated referrals. Conversely, children who are non-Hispanic Black, were referred at a well-child visit, and are primarily insured by private insurance or Tricare were least likely to have repeated referrals. Children who are insured by Medicaid are more likely to be younger, identify as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or another race/ethnicity, and have multiple needs at time of initial referral, identifying a potentially compounded risk for those who hold multiple risk factors to experiencing repeated referrals. Findings may inform adaptations to this PNP model to adjust navigator protocol for at-risk populations and equitably optimize referral-to-service connection.

Keywords: Community health; Health equity; Patient navigation program; Pediatric mental and behavioral health; Policy implications.