Designing an Effective Community Health Project Mary Mc

Designing an Effective Community Health Project Mary Mc. Cord MD MPH Anne E. Dyson Community Pediatrics Initiative Columbia University, New. York City

Definition of Community Pediatrics Adapted from Robert J. Haggerty, MD • The unique feature of community pediatrics is its concern for the entire population of children • Community pediatrics [seeks] to provide a more realistic and complete clinical picture by: taking responsibility for all children in a community, understanding the determinants and consequences of child health and illness, providing preventive and curative services, understanding the effectiveness of services provided.

Ecological Model

Purpose of a Community Health Project • To improve children’s health in my community

What you bring to the table Adapted from Judy Palfrey MD • • • Developmental perspective Concept of differential diagnosis Notion of normal variation Prevention strategies and orientation Tailored/Individualized Approach Continuity

What you bring to the table Adapted from Abraham Bergman MD • Our credibility rests on our scientific training • Bring expertise to bear on the problem, use sound data and when data isn’t available say so

Designing an Effective Community Project • Include a population perspective – How important is the problem in the community • • How many children are affected Which children are affected How badly are they affected How does that compare to other health problems

Designing an Effective Community Project • Include a needs assessment – How do people in the community perceive the problem – Who is affected by the problem – What do community members think are the causes – What do community members think would be good solutions

Designing an Effective Community Project • Include a community resource assessment – What is already being done to address the problem – What existing resources could be mobilized to attack the problem

Designing an Effective Community Project • Apply academic expertise – Do a literature review – Think about who has expertise that is applicable – Discuss the literature review, needs and resource assessments with experts in different disciplines

Designing an Effective Community Project • Consider the legislative perspective – Are politician interested in the problem – Are there potential legislative solutions

Designing an Effective Community Project • Propose an intervention • Estimate the anticipated effect of the intervention – Model programs define excellence, usually on a small scale – Large scale programs have an impact on more children

Designing an Effective Community Project • Include an evaluation plan – To assess the impact ‘Was it worth it? ” – To convince others it is worth funding or replicating