Screening Tools And Referral Training

The Oregon Pediatric Society is working to ensure that all of Oregon’s children receive the best preventive, evidence-based healthcare. Through funding from CareOregon, Northwest Health Foundation, FamilyCare Inc., and the Autzen and Clear One Foundations, the START project is teaching pediatric primary care providers how to detect and manage developmental and behavioral health issues as well as maternal depression problems. Identifying problems early and linking families to appropriate services can improve the health of Oregon’s children. 

Program Overview
The goals of START are to:

* Increase standardized health screening so doctors can identify children and families who need services earlier

* Increase awareness of community resources to help children and families get the healthcare services they need

* Enhance care coordination and communication so that children and families receive appropriate and effective healthcare services

Program Details

Since June 2008, the START project has trained more than 680 participants, including 430 primary care providers, across Oregon. START is approved by the American Board of Pediatrics for Part IV Maintenance of Certification (MOC) as an established quality improvement project. Physicians can also receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit for START training.
 

Two different START modules are currently available. The “Basic” training focuses on screening tools for identification of developmental delays and autism. The second module, launched in November 2009, addresses screening for maternal depression. Beginning fall 2010, another expansion module will be available and will concentrate on psychosocial and family risk screening.
 

START training incorporates the medical home, team-based care model and includes pediatric primary care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants), nurses and office staff. The entire team learns about the importance of and science behind standardized screening, what community resources are available for children and families, and how to improve the coordination of care so that services are appropriate and effective.
 

Training is tailored to each individual community. START uses physician trainers from various geographic regions who know their communities best. Because each community has different resources available for children, training includes a panel of representatives from local community agencies that serve children. START training provides a unique opportunity for primary care providers and community agencies to enhance collaboration and care for Oregon’s children.
 

View Brochure
 
MESD Accountability Report for 2009-2010 (.pdf)

Contact:
Peg King, MA MPH
START Program Manager
margaret.king@oraap.org