Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Training Program
Grant Status: Completed
Training Category: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Training Program
Project Director(s):
Sheila Gahagan, MD, MPH
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive Dept 621
La Jolla, CA 92093-0621
Phone: 619-681-0673
Email: sgahagan@ucsd.edu
Problem:
There is a need for innovative approaches to developmental-behavioral disorders including autism spectrum disorders. This is especially true for children living in communities that experience health disparities.
Goals and Objectives:
Goal 1: To educate DBP leaders who will use a lifecourse framework in approaching clinical care, medical education, research and advocacy. Goal 2: To prepare DBP leaders who will promote cultural and linguistic competency and health literacy in DBP practice and health care and public health institutions in order to address health disparities. Goal 3: To develop DBP leaders as experts in autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Goal 4: To provide high quality didactic and experiential DBP educational programs for medical students, residents in pediatrics and internal medicine-pediatrics. Goal 5: To provide educational opportunities for practicing pediatricians in order to promote increased knowledge and clinical expertise in behavioral, psychosocial and developmental aspects of care.
Methodology:
The 5 goals and associated objectives are achieved through: the DBP curriculum; leadership training, interdisciplinary training and practice; and incorporation of principles of cultural competence, medical home and family-centered care. In addition, the program provides leadership training related to the role of DBP in public health, Title V and related legislation. Activities include didactic instruction, clinical training and training in public health settings with increasing responsibilities over the 3 years of fellowship. In addition to work within UCSD and School of Medicine, we have developed strong collaborations with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego County Healthy Developmental Services, San Diego Regional Services (Developmental Disabilities), San Ysidro Health Center (FQHC) and the Indian Health Council, among others.
Coordination:
1) San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency Maternal Child & Family Health Services Agency -- DBP fellows will gain a working knowledge of 4 programs: Title V, X, XIX, XXI and related programs. 2) First 5 Commission San Diego Healthy Developmental Services -- fellows gain experience in comprehensive developmental and behavioral screening, assessment, treatment, parent education and care coordination. 3) San Diego Regional Center -- fellows gain experience in developmental disabilities.
Evaluation:
The objectives outlined above are measurable, allowing for evaluation. The goals will also be assessed according to a process/outcome strategy as outlined by the CDC framework for evaluation. This ensures that our evaluation will be used for learning and capacity building.