Edna Maddalena, MA
Program Manager, WCAAP
During May, WCAAP partnered with Swedish Medical Center in an effort to implement developmental screening system wide. All Swedish providers who see children were required to attend at least one of our training events, which were held throughout the King/Snohomish region at Swedish locations. A total of 123 Swedish Medical Center providers were trained in the Great MINDS curriculum, with pediatricians, family practitioners, Department of Health representatives, Early Intervention and Head Start representatives in attendance.
Great MINDS trainings are successful in part because of the knowledge of the physician presenters. Dr. Lelach Rave presented the trainings to Swedish Medical Center, and her expertise and insight into breaking down perceived barriers to the utilization of universal developmental screening tools was particularly useful. Dr. Rave’s experience using these tools in a clinical setting was helpful for providers according to survey feedback. Parent trainer Sugely Sanchez, mother of four children, two of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, also presented with Dr. Rave. She is a strong advocate and offers providers an important view of a parent’s perspective which helps motivate clinics to implement reliable universal developmental screening. WithinReach representatives were also available to talk about resources that are available to families across Washington State. Additionally, King and Snohomish County Early Intervention representatives were on site to share referral pathways and resources.
Validated screening tools are shown to result in faster referrals and early intervention services, which lead to better health and developmental outcomes. The training we provide is based on successful modules used nationally and developed in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health, the University of Washington’s Medical Home Leadership Network, and the Great MINDS Project Steering Committee. Participation in Great MINDS may also qualify you for CME. To learn more, or to schedule training, contact Edna Maddalena.