Evidence Tools
MCHbest. NPM 6: Developmental Screening

Strategy. Implementation of Quality Standards (Systems Level)

Approach. Support a statewide learning collaborative for primary care practices with enhanced reimbursement for developmental screening and collaboration with local agencies.

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Overview. Systems-level approaches involving groups such as local public health agencies (LPHAs) and health care providers with quality improvement components appear to be effective for increasing developmental screening rates at well-child visits and in general. In particular the Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) program can be used in this approach.¹

Evidence. Moderate Evidence. Statewide learning collaboratives for primary care practices with enhanced reimbursement for developmental screening and collaboration with local agencies combined with development of quality standards or use of quality improvement models in health care settings appears to be effective. Programs based on these strategies are likely to work. These strategies have been tested more than once and results trend positive overall. Access the peer-reviewed evidence for collaboration with local agencies and the peer-reviewed evidence for engagement with payers through the MCH Digital Library. (Read more about understanding evidence ratings).

Target Audience. Systems.

Outcome. Increased developmental screenings performed with a parent-reported screening tool during well-child visits (at the 9-, 18-, 24-, 30-month visits). For detailed outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, click on the peer-reviewed evidence link above and read the "Intervention Results" for each study.

Examples from the Field. Access descriptions of ESMs that use this strategy directly or intervention components that align with this strategy. You can use these ESMs to see how other Title V agencies are addressing the NPM.

Sample ESMs. Using the approach “Support a statewide learning collaborative for primary care practices with enhanced reimbursement for developmental screening and collaboration with local agencies,” here are sample ESMs you can use as a model for your own measures using the Results-Based Accountability framework (for suggestions on how to develop programs to support this strategy, see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies):

Note. When looking at your ESMs, SPMs, or other strategies: (1) move from measuring quantity to quality; (2) move from measuring effort to effect; (3) Quadrant 1 strategies should be used sparingly, when no other data exists; and (4) the most effective measurement combines strategies in all levels, with most in Quadrants 2 and 4.

Learn More. Read how to create stronger ESMs and how to measure ESM impact more meaningfully through Results-Based Accountability.

Reference:

¹ Barry S, Paul K, Aakre K, Drake-Buhr S, Willis R. Final Report: Developmental and Autism Screening in Primary Care. Burlington, VT: Vermont Child Health Improvement Program; 2012.