Beginning in December 1997, state maternal and child health programs were asked to report the percentage of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in their state in a medical home as part of their annual Title V block grant reports to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HRSA (MCHB). Currently, few states are able to accurately determine the number of CSHCN in their state. Additionally, no standard recognized measure for the multidimensional concept of "medical home" exists. For these reasons, this performance measure is considered developmental. This presentation looks at how states attempted to report on this measure. State Block grant applications were reviewed for data availability and to classify methodologies used and data issues. Forty-seven states reported on this measure. Forty-three states provided data notes, of which 6 reported no available data. Reported methods used to estimate the CSHCN population included: CSHCN program records; National Estimates; State Survey; and "Best Guess." Several states also reported on populations differing from the federal definition. Methods identified for determining medical home status included: CSHCN Program Data; States Survey; National Estimates; and "Best Guess." Many states also included operational definitions used for medical home status. Several states anticipated improved reporting or requesting technical assistance for this measure. Wide variation exists in methodologies used by states reporting on this measure. An impending MCHB-sponsored national survey to determine state populations of CSHCN will help standardize estimates of CSHCN populations. Additional guidance and technical assistance at the national level is needed to address data issues.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to: 1. Identify methods states have used for estimating CSHCN populations 2. Identify methods states have used for estimating medical home status 3. Identify several operational definitions states have used for estimating medical home
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Performance Measurement
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Cooperative agreement (MCU-119301) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services