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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Applying Quality Improvement Techniques to Evaluate Strategies to Achieve the 1, 3, 6 EHDI Goals' Track: 9 - Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement Keyword(s): Quality Improvement Learning Objectives: Discuss how to incorporate QI strategies in a health department setting. Review outcomes of the QI project, including the lessons learned. Examine specific examples of flowcharts and other QI tools. Abstract: Public health departments have begun to embrace continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives by building capacity, implementing specific projects, and developing supportive policies. In 2010, Maine’s State Public Health Agency was awarded federal funding as part of the National Public Health Improvement Initiative. This initiative was designed to support health departments to implement performance and management improvement practices. As part of this effort, the Maine CDC Newborn Hearing Program adopted quality improvement tools and subsequently established a QI team to improve business and program processes and outcomes. This poster session will focus on the quality improvement tools used by the QI team and how these tools have helped the program achieve efficiencies and improve processes and outcomes. Example AIM statements will be shared. In addition, specific examples of flowcharts and other QI tools will be examined. Finally, the outcomes of the QI projects will be discussed, including the lessons learned. This session has implications for those looking to adopt QI approaches. Practical suggestions on how to incorporate QI strategies in a health department setting will be discussed. Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available CART: CART Transcription is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Jennifer Pratt - Primary Presenter,Author,POC University of Southern Maine Muskie School of Public Service      Credentials: Quality Improvement Specialist       Jennifer brings over 13 years of experience in program evaluation support, with particular expertise in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting. She is skilled in qualitative analysis software, NVivo and quantitative analysis software, Remark OMR, SPSS and SAS. Jennifer has worked with Maine state agencies on a variety of evaluation projects and most recently she provides technical assistance for a series of quality improvement projects at the Maine CDC.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Betsy Glencross - Co-Presenter,Author Maine Newborn Hearing Screening Program      Credentials: EHDI Coordinator       Maine EHDI Coordinator       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Darlene Freeman - Author Maine Newborn Hearing Program      Credentials: parent       Darlene Freeman is the Parent Consultant for the Maine Newborn Hearing Program. She is also the parent of her 19-year-old daughter, Deaven, who is deaf. Darlene enjoys working in her position as parent consultant so that she can encourage families to follow up on their children’s hearing testing and help them have a successful outcome on their journey with their children. She is vice president of the Maine Hands & Voices chapter. Anne Banger - Author Maine Newborn Hearing Program      Credentials: parent       Anne Banger is currently serving as the Follow-Up Coordinator for the Maine Newborn Hearing Program. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University. She served on the Maine Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened. She is a member of the Executive Board of the Cued Speech Association of Maine and Cue Camp New England. She is the proud mother of a deaf son who is currently attending Roger Williams University studying Architecture. Toni Wall - Author Maine CDC      Credentials: MPA       Toni Wall, MPA, received her Master in Public Administration from the University of Maine. She began her public service career in 1987 at the Maine CDC in the Oral Health Program where her efforts lead the recommendation that well water be tested for natural fluoride before the issuance of a prescription of fluoride. Since 1999, Ms. Wall has served as the Director of the Children with Special Health Needs (CSHN) Program. She has served as PI on numerous Maternal and Child Health federal grants and fostered the creation of the Brain Injury Program within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Wall serves on many committees and boards that address issues facing children, youth and adults with disabilities. She currently serves as the Region I Director to the Association of Maternal and Child Health Professionals and has provided technical assistance to CSHN Programs in many states. Dr. Christopher Pezzullo - Co-Presenter,Author Maine CDC      Credentials: Medical Director, Division of Population Health, MeCDC      Other Affiliations: DO       Medical Director, Division of Population Health, MeCDC       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.