Children's Hospital of Boston

Problem:

Children with developmental challenges require attention to health care, developmental services, transition and reinforcement for families. It is appropriate to train professionals with understanding and skills. The environment of a University Center of Excellence is ideal for this project.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: Provide interdisciplinary leadership education to prepare leaders in an emerging health care system, serving children who may have a range of neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. Objective 1: Provide didatic training experience reflecting a wide range of leadership skills and competencies needed to support children with neurodevelomental disabilities and their families (15 long-term trainees annually). Objective 2: Provide clinical experiences at Children's Hospital Boston and community settings. Objective 3: Provide community or in-the-field experiences to work with community providers, policy worksgroups, self-advocates, or family-centered organizations. Goal 2: Provide techinical assistance to Title V and other MCHB-related community- based programs in MA, regionally and nationally. Objective 1: Continue and enhance involvement of LEND faculty and MA Dept. of Public Health (Title V) advisory roles. Objective 2: Continue to provide service functions in Title V programs in MA. Goal 3: Provide continuing education and develop resources to MCH community. Objective 1: Recruit and train 100 short-term and 50 intermediate-term trainees annually. Objective 2: Provide substantive continuing education event annually. Objective 3: Teach courses (20 or more annually) at area universities and develop distance education programs. Goal 4: Provide a range of research experiences for LEND traniees to increase knowledge as well as skills in the interpretation, design and implementation of research strategies. Objective 1: Increase trainee knowledge of research methods and design by working with RRTC at Children's Hospital Boston and participation in course work. Objective 2: Participate in the development and implementation of a research proposal. Objective 3: Increase trainees ability to interpret research reports and evaluate the significance of this research as it relates to children and families. Goal 5: Develop and disseminate educational resources to MCH professionals, family members, and persons with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. Objective 1: Prepare and disseminate information sheets with and for families addressing issues of importance. Objective 2: Develop and prepare professional materials (peer reviewed, chapters, reports) suitable for publication. Objective 3: Assist trainees to complete and present materials to various audiences.

Methodology:

Trainees will attain project goals, objectives and competencies by participating in the following program activities: 1. didactic program: 2 semester cousres, 6 mini-courses (6hr each), a Leadership Seminar series and various lectures/workshops. 2.clinical activities at Children's Hospital Boston and community site, 3.Title V program visits, 4. family home visits, 5. academy: 2 community affiliations, one mandatory with a community-based minority organization and one from a selected disability agency or organization, and 6 research program opportunities. Developing cultural competencies and an appreciation of medical homes for all children is an emphasis of the program as trainees are prepared to assume leadership roles in a diverse and ever-changing health care system. Recruitment of trainees from underserved and minority populations is a focus of the program.

Coordination:

LEND faculty and trainees work with many other agencies, they include: MA Dept of Public Health, family and self advocate organizations, and community-based organizaitons throughout MA (over 50). Area universities (8) provide teaching and recruitment opportunities for the program faculty.

Evaluation:

Trainee progress is monitored by project faculty, mentors, and discipline directors. Programmatic progress is evaluated via interviews, survey and observational data. Semi-annual reports are given to program advisory committee and program faculty meet monthly to review specific and overall program progress.