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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Adrienne L. Akers, MS RPT¹, Marilyn Sue Hartzell, MEd², Chris Schofield¹, Robert Nickel, MD², and James Ledbetter, MD². (1) Early Intervention Researhc Institute, Utah State University, 6580 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-3838, (2) Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs, Oregon Health Sciences University, 700 SW Gaines Road, Portland, OR 97207, 503-494-2757, hartzell@ohsu.eud

In an effort to increase access to services for children and youth with special health needs, a partnership among public health and other state agencies was developed and implemented in two states. This has resulted in an interagency website that streamlines the application process for families applying to multiple programs. User testing and an online survey indicated that this mechanism supports families by making “services easier to use at the community level.”

Until recently, little progress has been made in developing integrated, paper-based applications. The field of information technology (IT) has the capacity to solve frustrating technical challenges inherent in many systems integration efforts. One promising practice being is the concept of a web-based interagency application process called the Universal Application System (UAS) which enables families to screen and apply for specific programs, such as CYSHCN, WIC, Early Intervention, and Medicaid by answering non-duplicative questions to complete and electronically submit initial paperwork to participating programs. Utah and Oregon have adopted the UAS. Their experiences in implementation will be presented focusing on their unique paths to adoption and various leadership strategies used to achieve the outcome of an integrated electronic application system.

Utah's pilot study indicated that 94% completed the UAS in one session; 64% completed the UAS from home; and 94% would recommend the UAS to others. Oregon's pilot data, currently in process, will also be reported. The UAS will be demonstrated and an interactive discussion will allow participants to exchange their experiences related to similar interagency efforts.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify challenges and opportunities to partnering with public agencies to increase access to services for families with children.
• Discuss an effective process for partnering with other agencies to develop a UAS within their state.
• Describe how the process of developing a UAS serves as a catalyst for unanticipated benefits for MCH and other state programs.
• Recognize the benefit of the UAS to families with children with multiple needs.

Keywords: Service Integration, Access to Health Care

Related Web page: www.oregonclicks.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered