Keri L. N. Mercer, MPH, CHES¹, Anne Wallis, PhD², Bobbi Buckner Bentz, BA¹, Andrew J. Penziner, MD, MS³, Jeffrey G. Lobas, MD³, and Dennis Affholter, MA². (1) Center for Public Health Program Evaluation, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 4252 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-384-4269, keri-mercer@uiowa.edu, (2) Dept. of Community & Behavioral Health, Center for Public Health Program Evaluation, University of Iowa, College of Public Health, 4258 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242, (3) Child Health Specialty Clinics, University of Iowa Health Care, 254 CDD, Iowa City, IA 52242

The Iowa Medical Home Initiative (IMHI) works to establish medical homes using a two-prong approach. A facilitation team of physicians, nurses, family advisors, and evaluators works directly with clinic staff; and a Core Action and Advisory Group comprised of stakeholder representatives focuses on addressing identified public policy issues. In its first year, the IMHI has partnered with three Iowa primary care practices. Each practice identifies an initial issue within the clinic pertaining to children with special healthcare needs, resulting in three different approaches to building a medical home within the practice. As a result of the IMHI’s unique program design, the evaluation design must be broad and able to adjust to ever-changing program protocols. The evaluation is a participatory process evaluation, allowing adjustments to the project as necessary. Similarly, the evaluation team provides technical assistance to program staff, which both aids in the implementation of the IMHI and the evaluation of the initiative. The evaluation uses a mixed-method approach, collecting data from surveys, interviews, online diaries, and direct observation. The presentation will include a report of program findings to date and description of methods used. Learning objectives will include an understanding of methodological issues related to the evaluation demands of multi-site programs, qualitative data collection and analysis, and development of an evaluation plan for programs developed without a clear theoretical basis.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning objectives will include an understanding of methodological issues related to the evaluation demands of multi-site programs, qualitative data collection and analysis, and development of an evaluation plan for programs developed without a clear theoretical basis.

Keywords: Evaluation, Quality of Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.