Funded Projects

Problem:

With our Title V partners, we will develop a qualified, family-centered and culturally competent MCH workforce by providing a unique and extensive regional training program including leadership training, clinical services, technical assistance, continuing education, and resource development.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: Provide Interdisciplinary Leadership Education for 21 long-term trainees and fellows and over 85 medium-term trainees per year Objective 1: All Long-term LEND Trainees will successfully complete the MMI-LEND Advanced Interdisciplinary Leadership Curriculum and/or Advanced ASD Practitioner Training by demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in all competency areas and effective partnering with other health care providers Objective 2: All Long-term LEND trainees will participate in culturally competent, family-centered experiences in integrated, community-based service settings. Objective 3: All Medium-term LEND trainees will successfully complete the MMI-LEND Core Interdisciplinary Leadership Curriculum by demonstrating basic knowledge and skills in all core competency areas. Goal 2: Enhance and maintain the capacity of the MMI-LEND Program and faculty to engage in cutting edge training, research and technical assistance through a program of faculty development and support of prof Objective 1: The LEND Program will partner with CityMatCH to develop and implement a 3-year plan to integrate life course theory into all components of the LEND Program and to increase the capacity of LEND faculty to incorporate the life course perspective into technical assistance, CE, and service activities. Objective 2: LEND faculty will engage in 2 teambuilding sessions each year to focus on goal setting, program development, problem solve, and assess progress as the LEND Program develops new community partnerships and incorporates life course, healthcare reform, and increased diversity into the program. Objective 3: The LEND Faculty will participate in three faculty development workshop or seminar in FY2012 to develop enhanced leadership skills in identified areas that can then be disseminated to trainees through faculty mentoring and training activities. Goal 3: Build the capacity of a broad range of child health and educational professionals, agencies and systems to provide comprehensive and coordinated services for children with neuro and related DD Objective 1: The MMI-LEND Program will foster collaboration among State Title V agencies, state MCH leaders, and other community agencies, leading to the development of one joint training, technical assistance, and/or service activities each year. Objective 2: The MMI-LEND Program will provide a minimum of four educational opportunities for practicing professionals and community agencies in the designated Health Profession Shortage Areas in Nebraska to improve rural health care delivery systems for children with NDD, ASD and other disabilities. Objective 3: The MMI-LEND Program will present one major continuing education program each year for a minimum of 150 professionals in the area of neurodevelopmental or related disabilities. Goal 4: Increase knowledge in the field of neurodevelopmental and related disabilities through the development and dissemination of research findings and educational resources Objective 1: The MMI-LEND faculty and trainees will provide a minimum of 42 Technical Assistance/ Consultation activities yearly with MCH, Title V, and other related state and community-based programs. Objective 2: The MMI-LEND faculty and trainees will develop and disseminate a minimum of six curricular materials, teaching modules, or other educational resources and references in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities in response to new research findings and developments in the MCH field. Objective 3: The MMI-LEND faculty and trainees will conduct collaborative research in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and disseminate a minimum of 21 research findings through conferences, scientific symposia and through published articles in peer reviewed journals each year. Goal 5: The MMI-LEND Autism Leadership Academy will develop and implement activities that improve the system of care of children with ASD and their families Objective 1: Eighteen MMI-LEND long-term trainees and over 30 medium-term trainees/practicing professionals will demonstrate advanced ASD practitioner skills and/or increased knowledge and skills for the early identification and/or diagnosis of ASD and other related disabilities. Objective 2: The MMI-LEND Program will increase the ASD diagnostic capacity of 6 new clinical sites (including a minimum of 4 rural sites) each year by providing test materials and training for clinician(s). Objective 3: Increase knowledge in the field of ASD and related disabilities through the development and dissemination of 8 ASD-specific research findings and educational resources each year. Activities/

Methodology:

This project consists of an Interdisciplinary Leadership Education Program involving a diverse LEND faculty, specific training goals, and a range of types and levels of training. We utilize a curriculum designed to direct and sequence the progression of the core curriculum and the individualized study plan. This program supports students through a combination of dynamic interactive interdisciplinary orientation, didactic hours and practicum work. The Continuing Education and Faculty Development activities of the LEND project includes both disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals serving children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders as well as CYSHCN, Autism Spectrum Disorders and other chronic disabilities. We plan to extend the influence of our training program by continuing and expanding our strategic alliances and partnerships with Title V/MCH agencies and related programs within Nebraska and nearby states. Our faculty will provide ongoing consultation and technical assistance while providing an opportunity for trainees to participate and interact with MCH personnel and other public health professionals. We plan the development and dissemination of educational products for teaching in neurodevelopmental disabilities. We will utilize a variety of methods and technologies to present new research findings and developments in the relevant MCH related fields, including ASD.

Coordination:

Our project collaborates with the Department of Health and Human Services for assurance of services for CHSCN. Joint projects include a network of 30 different interdisciplinary clinics across Nebraska, TA, case coordination, and outreach training across Nebraska and western South Dakota. MMI, HHSS and the Nebraska Department of Education are also collaborating on the LTSAE State Team. We work with other MCH-funded programs as well as numerous private and public agencies.

Evaluation:

We conduct both outcome evaluation and a formative evaluation that determine the extent that project objectives were implemented and utilized. This information is used to help refine the interdisciplinary training and continuing education programs. The Director and LEND faculty are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the evaluation plan. The annual summary report is developed and reviewed for the purpose of identifying strategies to improve the program.