Funded Projects

Goals and Objectives:

Goals/Needs: Chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma, and sleep disorders are the most common physically disabling conditions in childhood. In addition, more children and youth with special respiratory health care needs (CYSRHCN) require complex and technological care. Many underserved children with these conditions and care requirements do not have adequate community-based medical homes. Trained clinical leaders with public health perspectives are needed to address the regional and national systems of care, programs, and policies that impact these children. The PPC at the University of Washington will address these needs through 1) interdisciplinary training of graduate health professionals, 2) incorporation of families and youth into clinical decision making, teaching, program development, and research, 3) integration of specialty and primary systems of care using public health functions, 4) increased diversity among trainees and faculty and a focus on health disparities, 5) partnerships with state Title V agencies, community, and family networks to improve care in MCH Region X and nationally for CYSRHCN and their families, and 6) interdisciplinary research.

Methodology:

The training methods used will include serial self-assessments, unidisciplinary courses for graduate degrees, interdisciplinary didactic classes and seminars about MCHB history, vision, and strategic plan, a Core PPC Seminar series, interdisciplinary clinical practicums across care systems (including inpatient units, outpatient, telehealth and outreach clinics); case discussions in health literacy, disparities in care, and transitions in care; group discussions with parents as teachers, UW MCHB Leadership Training Consortium Workshops, a Leadership Capstone Project, use of new distance learning format for continuing education (CE) and technical assistance (TA), and research. Program methodology includes maintaining faculty in all 5 disciplines, annual faculty leadership self-assessments, recruiting diverse trainees, faculty, and community partners, clinical service to underserved children in 5 states, parent involvement with teaching and program evaluation, regional CE, distance and web-based teaching, CE and TA in Region X, regional collaboration with primary care groups, advocacy activities, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration with the national network of PPCs. Proposed Services include: 1) clinical services and coordination of care to CYSRHCN and their families, education and TA and CE to their health care providers and community resources and advocacy for families with schools, payors, and community-based agencies, and 2) clinical, social, and environmental program assessment and development with state Title V partners, primary care networks, legislators, payors, and professional organizations, and the Maternal Child Health Bureau regarding CYSRHCN and their families. Population Groups served include the following: 1) children with chronic respiratory disorders, including breathing-related sleep disorders, and their families residing in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska and Oregon, 2) underserved families with CYSRHCN under our care whose circumstances will be used to evaluate systems of care, improve their medical homes and community based support systems, health outcomes, and the information systems that track and document improvements.