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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Always Getting Better: Using Quality Improvement in EHDI Programs' Track: - Keyword(s): Learning Objectives: Understand how to participate in state EHDI program's Quality Improvement activities Know how to craft an effective Aim Statement Appreciate the value of PDSA cycles Abstract: Over the past several years, all EHDI programs have participated in learning collaboratives guided by the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ), to test and implement changes to improve the quality and timeliness of care to newborns and infants with hearing loss. These learning collaboratives were based on the Model for Improvement (shown here) that stresses prediction and measurement as critical features of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. Teams use PDSA cycles to test changes (initially on a very small scale to minimize risk), quickly identify promising ideas, and build confidence that the changes are leading to improvement. Changes that show promise are expanded for testing on larger and larger scales, until the team can be confident that the change should be adopted widely. These learning collaboratives have helped state EHDI programs improve data collection and reporting, engage parents, reduce loss to follow-up and documentation, and much more. Members of this panel will give examples of how continuing to use the process outlined by the Model of Improvement has enabled them to continue to improve their EHDI programs. Specific examples will be given by each panelist as well as suggestions for how all stakeholders in an EHDI system can participate in quality improvement activities to enable EHDI programs to continually improve services for children and families. Presentation: View Video (1GB) Please be patient it may take a minute to load depending on you internet speed This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Irene Forsman - POC MCHB      Credentials: Ms, RN       Irene Forsman has been in the Maternal and Child Health Bureau for more than 2 decades in a number of positions focusing on children with special health needs and their families. She has been responsible for HRSA/MCHB’s universal newborn hearing screening and intervention program since passage of the legislation. Critical components of the program are screening of newborn infants for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge, audiologic diagnosis before three months of age, linkage to a medical home, enrollment in a program of early intervention before 6 months of age and linkage to a family to family support system. That program is now operational through out the United States, Puerto Rico and two Pacific Rim Territories.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Nicole Brown - Co-Presenter Minnesota Dept of Health      Credentials: MSN, PHN, CPNP      Other Affiliations: Public Member, Board of Governors American Board of Audiology       Nicole Brown is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and has worked in Minnesota’s Maternal and Child Health/Public Health field for over 17 years at both the state and local level. She is Minnesota’s EHDI Coordinator responsible to provide long-range planning and direction for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a statewide EHDI system for children once they are identified with hearing loss. Nicole served as the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners’ liaison to the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Improving the Effectiveness of Newborn Hearing Screening, Diagnosis, and Intervention. She works with NCHAM as Quality Improvement Advisor and is the parent of two children who are deaf.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Elizabeth Seeliger - Co-Presenter WSB      Credentials: Au.D.       Elizabeth has worked as a clinical audiologist in a variety of settings, helping to guide children and families through the process of diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss. As the Wisconsin Sound Beginnings (WSB) Program Director Elizabeth has played a leadership role in the development of a data, tracking and referral system, developed educational resources for hospitals, providers and an interactive notebook for parents. Elizabeth has also spearheaded the initiative to enable WI homebirth midwives to provide UNHS. Elizabeth has also provided technical assistance and consultation locally and internationally on quality improvement in EHDI systems. Elizabeth currently sits on the board of directors for the WI Chapter of Families for Hands & Voices and Hands & Voices HQ.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial - -             ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial - Marbely Barahona - Co-Presenter       Marbely is originally from Caracas, Venezuela and has lived in New Orleans for the past 18 years. She and her husband, Asahel, are the parents of 6 children, 2 girls and 4 boys. Their oldest son is profoundly deaf and received a cochlear implant at the age of 5. He is fully mainstreamed in regular education classes at his home district school. Marbely is a board member of LA Hands and Voices, a Guide by Your Side Parent Guide, and a member of the Awareness Network for Cochlear Americas. She participated in the 2011-12 NICHQ IHSIS collaboration, serving as her state team’s Parent Consultant where she became experienced in using the Model for Improvement. Her leadership role on the team as a parent was instrumental in influencing and advising the team about a wide range of needs for change in the EHDI system. Marbely actively participated in planning, implementing and evaluating Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to help her state successfully reduce “loss to follow-up”. She has an Associate degree in Marketing and Advertising, and Office System Technology. She works part-time for the LA EHDI Program as a Bilingual Parent Consultant, successfully helping Spanish-speaking families navigate the EHDI process. In addition, one of Marbely’s responsibilities in this position is to contact all families of babies reported “lost to follow-up” to support and assist them in obtaining needed services and maintain tracking data of the results.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.