Leadership Education in Adolescent Health
Grant Status: Completed
Training Category: Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program
Project Director(s):
Jean S. Emans, MD
Division of Adolescent Medicine
Children's Hospital of Boston
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-5724
Phone: (617) 355-7170
FAX: (617) 730-0185
Email: jean.emans@childrens.harvard.edu
Problem:
Adolescence is a "critical period" in the Life Course, and many adult diseases have their origins in adolescence. Investing in the health of youth requires trained health professionals who can partner with MCH to achieve HP2020 Objectives.
Goals and Objectives:
Goal 1: Provide interdisciplinary leadership training of 5 disciplines (medicine, psychology, nursing, nutrition, social work): Obj 1.1: Train 10 diverse, long-term trainees, using Leadership Competencies and Individual Learning Plans; Obj 1.2: Fellows will demonstrate knowledge and skills in MCH leadership and adolescent health including clinical care, QI, teaching, cultural competency, research, and advocacy, with an understanding of health disparities and Life Course framework. Goal 2: Develop and improve youth-centered/family-involved care for adolescents, through the efforts of a diverse interdisciplinary faculty/Fellows: Obj. 2.1: 100 presentations, one CE course, other trainees to expand workforce; Obj. 2.2: 75 TA consults and 3 projects, reducing health disparities; Obj. 2.3: 25 articles and hosting 3 websites; Obj. 2.4: Interdisciplinary care to over 4000 patients, input from Youth/Parents. Goal 3: Improved health status, reduced disparities, HP 2020 Obj through:Obj. 3.1: 10 partnerships; Obj. 3.2: Meeting goals set for QI and Performance metrics.
Methodology:
The Fellows participate in an innovative, learner-centered, interdisciplinary Leadership curriculum which includes Leadership Lectures; Individual Learning Plans for Leadership: Developmental Networks; Cultural Competency; Program Development; Leadership in Practice from a Life Course Perspective; Mental Health Rounds; Nutrition; Team Meetings; Teaching Workshops; Research Methods. Fellows learn skills in clinical programs, teaching activities, and projects, involve youth and families in planning, and conduct research. LEAH provides technical assistance, disseminates publications and websites, and collaborates with MCH agencies, organizations, providers, family and youth to improve adolescent health.
Coordination:
Boston LEAH provide model collaborations with MCH agencies and training programs and organizations serving MCH populations. Examples include Community Asthma Initiative, DYS Clinical services, and Boston HAPPENS.
Evaluation:
Evaluation is critical for documenting the effectiveness of the program in training MCH leaders, meeting objectives, including PMs and quality metrics.