At the feet of storytellers: Implications for practicing early relational health conversations

Early relational health - A promising approach for equitable systems change in pediatrics: A commentary

Pediatric primary care plays a critical role in supporting the healthy development of young children. Wisdom and research suggest that every developmental domain is shaped by the quality of close relationships, particularly the caregiver-child relationship. Therefore, pediatric primary care has a unique opportunity to support and nurture early relationships using the Early Relational Health (ERH) framework and its applications Early Relational Health Screen, and Early Relational Health Conversations. ERH and its applications recognize years of innovation focused on the promotion of the wellbeing of caregiver-child relationships, and children's long-term development. Central to enhancing and elevating pediatric practice is intentional effort in using diversity-informed, anti-racist, equitable systems of care frameworks. This Commentary offers a call to action for pediatric primary care to create more equitable and inclusive practice via ERH. The call to action includes deepening self and institutional awareness; allocating resources for systems change, including infusing greater equity into departmental structures; and, building authentic relationships with patients, families, and communities. This will result in intentional systems change centered on equitable practice.