Medical-legal partnerships may improve child and family health
Medical-legal partnerships (MLPs)—the integration of legal services into health care settings to help patients address social determinants of health—can lead to improvements in physical health, cognitive development, mental health, and health care use among children, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The study was published June 4 in Pediatrics and includes a video abstract featuring corresponding author Anna Shchetinina, a PhD student in population health sciences at Harvard Chan School and Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Natalie Slopen, associate professor of social and behavioral sciences, was also a co-author.
In the video, Shchetinina explained that MLPs can help families access public benefits, resolve landlord-tenant disputes, and secure special education services, among other resources that can boost physical and mental health. To better understand the link between MLPs and health outcomes, the researchers conducted a scoping review of 2,680 studies that evaluated MLPs and their impact on at least one element of child health or health care utilization.
Looking at nine studies that met the inclusion criteria, the researchers found significant improvements in child health, caregiver health, family wellbeing, and health care utilization when families had access to MLPs. Children’s overall health improved, including better outcomes around asthma, blood sugar maintenance, and social and cognitive skills. Hospitalizations decreased and routine medical visits increased. Parents and caregivers reported fewer symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. And families reported fewer social and legal needs and improved access to food and other public benefits.
The researchers noted that many more studies of MLPs are needed. “MLP interventions represent a promising avenue for improving child health outcomes and family wellbeing,” Shchetinina said. “Continued research in this area is needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their potential and to inform the scaling and implementation of MLPs into broader health equity initiatives.”
Read the study abstract and watch the video abstract
Medical-Legal Partnerships and Child Health and Family Wellbeing: A Scoping Review
