Enhancing the Capacity of MCH Leaders to Implement Health Reform

Background: The National MCH Workforce Development Center was funded as a collaborative academic-practice partnership to enhance the capacity of MCH/state Title V programs to lead health transformation in states and territories.

Methods: Intensive coaching and skill development in Access to Care, Quality Improvement, Systems Integration and Change Management were provided to Title V led multi-agency teams. A cohort of 8 state teams received an intensive 2-day in person training, webinars, peer consultation, and a state site visit, all facilitated by a Center coach, who brokered the resources of the Center to develop individualized training and state action plans.

Results: State teams report increased confidence in the use of informed decision-making techniques, tools, and methodology. Ninety-one percent of participants are applying new skills and 86 percent agree that Center skills are facilitating Title V engagement in state health reform efforts. Center resources enabled state teams to implement program and policy change to improve MCH populations.

Discussion: State teams are driving substantive health transformation efforts and health systems reform. Three states implemented enhancements in the coordination of care for children and youth with special health care needs.  Three states identified barriers to efficient developmental screening and embarked on collaborative efforts to improve the system.  One team enhanced the capacity of local public health agencies to improve access to care for MCH populations using Center-designed tools.  One team convened partners to enhance credentialing services and reimbursement mechanisms for its peer support workforce.