The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50135

Michael N. Spoerri, PT, Kelly Detsch, BA, Katherine S. Wilson, BA, Leslie Korenda, BS, and Margaret H. Ochner, BA. School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06511, 203-787-2167, michael.spoerri@yale.edu

The health of women and children are key indicators of the health and quality of life in a community. Teen health is the critical link between sound maternal and child health. Yet this population is often the most vulnerable. Planned Parenthood of Connecticut (PPCT) has taken action to make teen reproductive health a key priority through age-targeted services, education, and outreach. Consequently, PPCT projects that by 2005, teens will comprise 40% of the patient population (PPCT, 2001). While this increase speaks to the success of PPCT's teen oriented programs, it presents a challenge for PPCT and similar organizations that serve a diverse population but face limited resources. This study aims to improve maternal and child health (MCH) in the following ways. First, we will examine the impact of the increase in teen utilization on PPCT. Second, we will develop a strategy for PPCT to allocate resources efficiently to serve teens while continuing its commitment to broader ages. This study will use a fusion of qualitative and quantitative techniques, including staff interviews, patient surveys, and service data to provide a comprehensive picture of the impact of teens on PPCT.

Learning Objectives:

Participants in this poster session will be able to
• articulate the relationship between services most used by teens and the financial impact on the clinic
• construct similar qualitative and quantitative techniques for obtaining information on health needs and service utilization
• apply these techniques to construct a 5 year forecast of resource expenditures for MCH services.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Cost Issues

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Planned Parenthood
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.