Benjamin W Sanders1,2, Katharine E Zuckerman2, Joan S Ash1, Avi J Kopstick3, Luis Rivas Vazquez2, Paul N Gorman1,4. 1. Department of Medical Informatics & Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. 4. Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Early Intervention (EI) referral is a key connector between health care and early childhood systems serving children with developmental risks. This study aimed to describe the US network of EI referrals by answering the following: "What information is sent to EI?", "Who sends it?", and "How is it sent?" METHOD: This study combined an analysis of national document-based and website-based referral forms with a survey of state Part C Coordinators (PCCs). Data on referral forms were systematically collected from state agency websites. PCCs from 52 jurisdictions were surveyed to assess current EI referral practices. Descriptive statistics were used for responses to multiple-choice items; free-text answers were condensed into key study themes. RESULTS: EI referral forms came as e-documents (81%) or websites (35%), and 72% were in English alone. They emphasized family and referral source contact information and reason for the referral. The survey results indicated that health care (45%) sends the most referrals, followed by families (30%). EI agencies received referrals by phone (38%), electronically (23%), e-mail (17%), and fax (17%), and PCCs valued this diversity of methods. Few states received referral data directly from electronic health records (EHRs); however, PCCs hope to eventually receive referrals through websites, mobile devices, and EHRs. CONCLUSION: EI referral data flow is complex, with opportunities for loss of children to follow-up. This study describes how EI referrals occur and provides examples of how communication and access to information may be improved.
OBJECTIVE: Early Intervention (EI) referral is a key connector between health care and early childhood systems serving children with developmental risks. This study aimed to describe the US network of EI referrals by answering the following: "What information is sent to EI?", "Who sends it?", and "How is it sent?" METHOD: This study combined an analysis of national document-based and website-based referral forms with a survey of state Part C Coordinators (PCCs). Data on referral forms were systematically collected from state agency websites. PCCs from 52 jurisdictions were surveyed to assess current EI referral practices. Descriptive statistics were used for responses to multiple-choice items; free-text answers were condensed into key study themes. RESULTS: EI referral forms came as e-documents (81%) or websites (35%), and 72% were in English alone. They emphasized family and referral source contact information and reason for the referral. The survey results indicated that health care (45%) sends the most referrals, followed by families (30%). EI agencies received referrals by phone (38%), electronically (23%), e-mail (17%), and fax (17%), and PCCs valued this diversity of methods. Few states received referral data directly from electronic health records (EHRs); however, PCCs hope to eventually receive referrals through websites, mobile devices, and EHRs. CONCLUSION: EI referral data flow is complex, with opportunities for loss of children to follow-up. This study describes how EI referrals occur and provides examples of how communication and access to information may be improved.
Authors: Manuel E Jimenez; Alexander G Fiks; Lisa Ramirez Shah; Marsha Gerdes; Amelia Y Ni; Susmita Pati; James P Guevara Journal: Acad Pediatr Date: 2014 May-Jun Impact factor: 3.107
Authors: Dawn M Magnusson; Cynthia S Minkovitz; Karen A Kuhlthau; Tania M Caballero; Kamila B Mistry Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2017-10-16 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: James P Guevara; Marsha Gerdes; Russell Localio; Yuanshung V Huang; Jennifer Pinto-Martin; Cynthia S Minkovitz; Diane Hsu; Lara Kyriakou; Sofia Baglivo; Jane Kavanagh; Susmita Pati Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2012-12-17 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Manuel E Jimenez; Frances K Barg; James P Guevara; Marsha Gerdes; Alexander G Fiks Journal: Acad Pediatr Date: 2012 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 3.107