The cost of the VIP program for 0-3 years is approximately $175-$200 per child per year, including staff, equipment, rent, and other expenses, according to the report, which notes that one interventionist can provide services for 400-500 families.
Taken together, these findings suggest the VIP intervention is a low-cost intervention that may prevent poverty-related disparities, investigators said.
“In this study, we provide strong support for the use of pediatric primary care to promote positive parenting activities such as reading aloud and play and the potential for such programs to promote social-emotional development as reflected through reductions in disruptive behaviors,” they wrote.
Dr. Mendelsohn and his coauthors reported no relevant financial disclosures. The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; the Tiger Foundation; the Marks Family Foundation; Children of Bellevue; KiDS of New York University Foundation; and Rhodebeck Charitable Trust. Several of the investigators were supported in part by awards or grants.
SOURCE: Mendelsohn AL et al. Pediatrics. 2018;141(5):e20173393.