Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Medical Home: Referrals.

Overview. Guidelines for early screening aimed at primary care providers. (PCPs) such as general pediatricians, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can lead to enhanced patient outcomes. The can improve primary care providers' screening and diagnostic skills for autism, resulting in enhanced practice and self-efficacy, and feasibility for local access to care.[1] Implementation of a multifaceted approach in primary care significantly improves screening rates for anemia, lead levels, oral health, and vision and hearing impairments during well-child visits.[2] A healthcare initiative using a screening tool during sickle cell appointments increases referrals to multidisciplinary pain management services by 110%.[3]

Evidence. Emerging Evidence. Strategies based on emerging evidence show promise but have not undergone extensive testing. While these approaches demonstrate potential, their effectiveness remains unconfirmed. Prioritize rigorous monitoring to ensure they achieve desired outcomes for all MCH populations.

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source.

Potential Data Sources. Data to support this strategy can be accessed through:

• Provider assessment and feedback reports
• Patient/family feedback data
• Provider self-efficacy and competency assessments

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

• Provider Experience of Care. This strategy improves healthcare professionals' perceptions, feelings, and satisfaction with the work environment and systems they use.
• Utilization. This strategy improves the extent to which individuals and communities use available healthcare services.
• Access to/Receipt of Care. This strategy increases the ability for individuals to obtain healthcare services when needed, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Screening (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Population/Systems-Focused

Examples from the Field. There are currently no ESMs that use this strategy. Search similar intervention components in the ESM database.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the RBA framework (see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).