Implementation of an Anxiety Management Process in Pediatric Primary Care: An Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement Initiative.

Introduction: Pediatric anxiety is rapidly increasing, and in 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended universal anxiety screening using a validated tool for children 8-18 years.

Method: This evidence-based practice quality improvement initiative integrated an educational process, a validated anxiety screening tool, and a Caregiver Satisfaction Survey into all primary care wellness visits for patients aged 8-18 years.

Results: Significant increases in screening and referrals for mental healthcare were observed postinitiative implementation, especially in ages 8-11 years.