PM2086: Pediatrics and Police...where Should the Two Meet? Parent's Views on the Pediatric Provider's Role in Discussing Police Brutality

Background: The risk of being fatally shot by police (police violence) disproportionately affects Black and Latinx Americans, in comparison to their white non-Hispanic counterparts. Many healthcare providers recognize racism, trauma, and police violence as a core social determinant and major health issue, and providers seek guidance on how to best address these sensitive issues with their patients. This study captures the perspectives of providers and families in relation to counseling on police violence in the pediatric setting. Through examining qualitative data, this study aims to discover how pediatric providers can better engage and support Black and Latinx families regarding this life-threatening issue.

Methods: We have completed 11 pilot qualitative interviews (a total of 90 are planned) with patients ages 12-21 (n=5), parents/guardians of children ages 6-21 (n=4) and pediatric providers (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs) (n=2). Participants speak English and self-identify as Black or Latinx or are providers. The interview guides invite patients and parents/guardians to discuss their personal experiences with police and their experiences and thoughts on receiving advice related to interacting with police from family as well as providers. Providers are asked to describe their thoughts on, and training related to counseling their patients about safe interactions with police. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach.

Results: Analysis of the 11 pilot interviews revealed that providers have a desire to discuss policing and safe interactions with patients, however feel that they lack the knowledge or skill for these conversations. Parents believe in the concept “it takes a village” and therefore are open and eager for counseling, as long as it comes from a provider with an established relationship with the family. Additionally, parents would like the provider to first receive permission from their child before broaching this subject. Pediatric patients discussed many fears related to the police, often triggered by media or personal exposures. They also discussed confusion around why they, as youth, are required to make police interactions safe when police are charged with upholding their safety. Lastly, patients noted the negative effects of police violence and the fears of the police on the mental health of Black and Latinx patients. All participant groups viewed certain individuals as having a greater perceived risk for unsafe police interactions, referencing race, gender and neurodiversity as factors that may increase the chances of an unsafe interaction.

Conclusion: Pilot data has informed some changes to the interview guide, and we are currently completing additional interviews with each group (n=90). While we cannot yet draw conclusions from our data, early analysis has revealed parents and children are open to conversations with their providers about this issue and providers are seeking training to do this well.