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Towards translational health policy: Findings from a state evaluation of programs targeting children with special health care needs
Author(s) -
KeimMalpass Jessica,
Croson Elizabeth,
Allen Marcus,
Deagle Cornelia,
DeGuzman Pamela
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/jspn.12240
Subject(s) - focus group , workforce , public health , needs assessment , health care , workforce development , scope (computer science) , nursing , program evaluation , medicine , psychology , medical education , public relations , political science , business , public administration , marketing , computer science , law , programming language
Purpose Current evidence‐based research suggests that early evaluation, comprehensive care plans, and appropriate referrals for childhood and adolescent behavioral and development needs is critical for successful family‐centered outcomes. The overall purpose of this study was to conduct an assessment of a state public health program that offers diagnostic evaluation and coordination for children with behavioral and developmental disorders in the state of Virginia (Child Development Center programs, or CDC). A secondary purpose was to provide translational policy and advocacy targets based on key findings. Design and method The evaluation of the scope of services of the CDC programs was done using qualitative interviews with a focus group interview ( n = 23), interviews from representatives from individual centers ( n = 5 centers), and descriptive quantitative data elements for the fiscal year 2015. Results After conducting the state public health evaluation, several translational health policy priorities emerged, including: (a) the need for integrated data standards, (b) Lack of developmental pediatric workforce, particularly in rural sectors of the state, and (c) Need for enhanced program support for care coordination. Conclusion Academic nurse and public health partnerships can aid in translation from research to policy among vulnerable populations and assist in communication to key stakeholders and legislators for iterative action and reassessment.