The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) works collaboratively with National Partners such as the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, and Hands & Voices, to share resources that are vital to the development of a comprehensive and coordinated system of care targeted towards ensuring that newborns and infants are receiving appropriate and timely services including screening, evaluation, diagnosis, and early intervention (EI) within the context of a medical home.

To further support the Maternal & Child Health Bureau (MCHB) funding opportunity and ongoing Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) initiatives within each state, the AAP spearheaded the development and implementation of a webinar series intended to provide clarity and direction regarding Care Coordination (October 27 webinar) and Shared Plans of Care (SPoC) (December 12 webinar) as they relate to EHDI.

When working to establish comprehensive care coordination, the National Center for Care Coordination Technical Assistance (NCCCTA), a partnership between the National Center for Medical Home Implementation and Boston Children’s Hospital Integrated Care Program, can provide technical assistance and support to pediatric clinicians, Title V programs, family organizations and other stakeholders to further advance the pediatric medical home model of care. The NCCCTA Web page has been updated to include new tools and resources related to care coordination.

By integrating a Shared Plan of Care (SPoC) into the care coordination process, families and providers can work closely together to ensure that needs are met, goals are achieved, families and clinicians are partners, and care is patient- and family-centered. Published in collaboration with the National Academy for State Health Policy, the Shared Plan of Care fact sheet discusses strategies for state Title V programs and other state agencies to support utilization of shared plans of care and enhance family engagement.

For more information about the AAP or how to reach the EHDI Chapter Champion (pediatrician) in your state, contact Sandi Ring.