The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69027

Connie Mitchell, MD and Janet Heath. Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, 4800 2nd Ave., FSSB Suite 2200, Sacramento, CA 95817, 916 7344143, drcmitchell@ucdavis.edu

In 1995, the Governor of California approved legislation to authorize the creation of a statewide training program to improve the health care response to victims of violence including child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, elder and dependent adult abuse.

The program is called the California Medical Training Center (CMTC). The state had previously funded training organizations for criminal justice professionals who interact with victims of violence, but this was a first for health care professionals who provide care for victims of violence. Mandates for the program include developing and implementing a standardized training program for medical personnel; developing a telecommunication system network between the training center and smaller, rural communities; developing clinical guidelines for reporting and management of child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse and developing and fostering expertise of forensic examiners throughout the state.

Five years and over $5 million dollars later, the CMTC has developed and delivered hundreds of trainings to thousands of participants; set up telecommunications systems for real or delayed time consultations; created video and CD-Rom educational materials and coordinated the development of state forms, instructions and protocols for forensic evaluation of adult and child victims of abuse. Details of the administrative structure, operating budgets, direct and indirect outcomes achieved thus far will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the key elements of the authorizing statute for the program and its legislative history;
• List major administrative costs and considerations for programatic implementation;
• Summarize major outcomes both direct and indirect for this public health education/training program;
• Outline recommendations for continued growth and development. 4.

Keywords: Professional Development, Violence

Related Web page: www.udcmd.ucdavis.edu/medtrng

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Medical Training Center, a state legislated, state funded program to improve the health care response to vicitms of violence
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment as the Director of Domestic Violence Education for the California Medical Training Center