Researchers: Amit Shalev ¹, Hava Gadassi ², Shulamit Pinchover ², Roni Berger Raanan ², Maya Yaari ², Tony Gutentag ³

Background: In recent years, particularly following the October 7th war, there has been growing demand for mental health services for children and adolescents in primary care. Pediatricians have the potential to play a central role in early identification of psychological distress and referral to appropriate interventions. Against this backdrop, the Goshen Center developed a training program for pediatricians based on a Delphi study and literature review.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the training program on pediatricians' competence in identifying and providing initial responses to mental health problems, their attitudes toward treatment in this domain, and identification of barriers to implementation in clinical practice.

Method: Questionnaires at three time points (T1, n=52; T2, n =48; T3, n =19), daily diaries (T1, n =60; T2, n =32; T3, n =16), and qualitative interviews (n=16).

Findings: Questionnaires revealed increased self-efficacy in: case management, use of screening and diagnostic tools, parent counseling, initiating conversations, and referral to treatment; decreased personal barriers; increased motivation; high satisfaction with training; importance of group learning and practicing real cases; systemic barriers remained unchanged. Increased self-efficacy was maintained four months later. Diaries indicated increased case identification and clinical actions. Interviews revealed improved ability to conduct sensitive conversations with parents and use new tools.

Conclusions: The training significantly enhanced pediatricians' sense of competence in identifying and treating mental health problems. Effects were sustained over time and even strengthened. Structural barriers hinder full implementation. Ongoing mentoring, practical training, and systemic changes are needed. Further research with larger samples is required.

Recommendations: - Expand training programs and integrate content into medical education
- Ongoing mentoring and enhancement of practical components
- Collaboration with HMOs and the Ministry of Health to establish consultation mechanisms and training funding

Research end date: 12/2025