Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115035

Jamie Farrell-Lizotte, RN, MS, Public Health Nursing Division, Dutchess County Department of Health, 387 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-486-3506, jfarrell@co.dutchess.ny.us and Kathleen Bauman Geher, PhD, Health Planning & Education Division, Dutchess County Department of Health, 387 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Objective: To identify factors that affect enrollment rates in the MCH Home Visiting Program.

Methods: The MCH Program provides voluntary nursing services to pregnant and parenting women and families. Referrals are categorized and prioritized based on the intensity and type of nursing care requested. The client is contacted, the program explained and a home visit arranged. All information is maintained in a database.

Results: Between 4/1/02 to 1/31/05 there were 2,234 referrals. Complete outcome data is available on 1818 referrals, on which analysis was based. 72% of the referrals were enrolled into the program. Of 28% not enrolled, 18% refused service, 7% could not be located and 3% were inappropriate.

The type of referral influenced the enrollment. Clients in mandated programs were most likely to become enrolled: 95% of children in foster care placement and 86% of children from other Department of Social Service (DSS) programs. The source of the referral also affected the enrollment. Referrals from DSS had the highest enrollment (89% to 100%) followed by Early Intervention Program at 88%. Medical providers accounted for the lowest rates. The response time did not affect the enrollment rate.

Conclusions: The response time did not affect the enrollment. The source and type of referral impacted the enrollment.

Recommendations: Collect and analyze data regarding why clients refuse service. Improve accuracy of referral information. Enter outcome data on all referrals (enrolled and not enrolled).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how to use a MCH Database to evaluate program outcomes.

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Home Visiting

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.