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Maternal and Child Health Journal

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Open Access 01-10-2018

Getting to the Warm Hand-Off: A Study of Home Visitor Referral Activities

Authors: Jessica Goldberg, Jessica Greenstone Winestone, Rebecca Fauth, Melissa Colón, Maria Verónica Mingo

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Special Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Introduction

Conducted as part of the Massachusetts MIECHV evaluation, this study examined the role of home visitors (HVs) in facilitating families’ connections to early childhood systems of care. The aims of this study were to document the full range of HV behaviors related to service coordination.

Methods

The study sample was 65 participant cases from five program sites, comprising two home visiting models (HFM and PAT). We coded and analyzed 11,096 home visiting records, focusing on identifying referrals, connections, disconnections, and supportive behaviors across 20 service areas. Qualitative pattern analyses were conducted on a subsample of records to identify unique pathways from referral to connection.

Results

HVs discussed an average of 30 different programs with each participant, and overall, only 21% of referrals resulted in a service connection. This rate varied, with some (e.g., housing) requiring much more intensive HV support and yielding far fewer connections. HVs also worked to keep participants engaged once they were connected to a service, often discovering challenges in need of attention through monitoring activities.

Discussion

Home visiting is often thought of as a key entry point into a system of care. Findings from this study confirm this premise, highlighting both the centrality of home visiting in helping families navigate local systems of care, and the insufficiency of these systems to meet family needs.

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Title: Getting to the Warm Hand-Off: A Study of Home Visitor Referral Activities
Authors: Jessica Goldberg
Jessica Greenstone Winestone
Rebecca Fauth
Melissa Colón
Maria Verónica Mingo
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue Special Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2529-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Getting to the Warm Hand-Off: A Study of Home Visitor Referral Activities

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

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