Seconds for care

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Busy pediatricians have to pack many topics into routine healthcare visits. Standards have been developed for which topics should be prioritized, but in practice, it is difficult to evaluate how key health topics are addressed. In this issue of The Journal, Martin et al evaluated new software (the Pediatric Health Supervision Timer Software) using hand-held computers, and the software performed well. In initial results, most visits included counseling for diet, growth, and safety, but physical activity and tobacco exposure were covered less often. For example, on average, 3 seconds were allowed for discussion of tobacco. This objective approach to the evaluation of routine health care visits should be applied more broadly.

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