CHALLENGES IN THE INTEGRATION OF PEDIATRICIANS INTO THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH NETWORK

Introduction and objectives. Seventy percent of mental disorders begin in childhood or adolescence. Pediatric professionals, as the first point of contact in detecting psycho-emotional disorders, lack standardized protocols and specialized training within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Network (CAMH). The objectives of this study were: 1) To identify the challenges faced by primary care pediatricians in a Spanish healthcare setting, 2) To develop a proposal integrating pediatric professionals into the CAMH network, and 3) To conduct a SWOT analysis. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an 18-item Likert scale survey administered to 68 primary care pediatricians in a Spanish region (July 2024). A pediatric integration model was designed, and a SWOT analysis was performed. Results. Fifty percent of pediatricians reported a lack of training and time constraints as barriers to CAMH management. Four primary pathways through which mental health concerns reach pediatric consultations were identified. The SWOT analysis emphasized the need for standardized protocols, continuous training, and improved coordination with mental health specialists. Conclusions. Integrating pediatricians into the CAMH network is crucial for early detection and intervention, but it requires specialized training, optimization of con sultation time, and interinstitutional coordination. Implementing this type of protocols could enhance child and adolescent mental health care in Spain.