Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios
Date of Award
1999
Document Type
Thesis
Granting Institution
Lynn University
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Program
Health Care Administration
Department
School of Graduate Studies
First Advisor
Rita Nacken Gugel
Abstract
Objective: To assess the efficacy of a developmental follow-up program provided at a local community hospital. Efficacy was measured by the number of children referred to early intervention services and the cost effectiveness of the program. Design: This is a retrospective study of 174 children evaluated during 272 visits in the Follow-up Clinic from the inception of the program on November 22, 1994 through December 31, 1998. The data collected included referral rates and demographic information on all children. Financial information was also obtained on 74 children seen during a one year period to assess the financial implications of the clinic. The amount charged and the amount reimbursed for the clinic evaluation, and the charges generated for children receiving therapy at the facility were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on the gender, gestational age, multiple vs. singleton births, age at time of evaluation and referral trends. Results: The program made a total of $46.63 over a one year period. In addition there were charges totaling $10,185 for six children receiving direct therapy who had been identified and referred through the follow-up program. Overall there were 53 children referred to therapy, the Early Intervention Program or other specialists over the 4 year period. The percentage of referrals decreased over time from 30.5% to 24%. More boys than girls and more multiples than singletons were referred for therapy services, however none of these indicators reached a level of statistical significance. Conclusion: The Developmental follow-up program identified children who required referrals to early intervention services. There were no statistically significant variables identified as to which children were more likely to be referred for additional services. The Hospital did not lose money by providing this service. The developmental follow-up program was an avenue to increase referrals into the hospital's outpatient pediatric rehabilitative services program.
Recommended Citation
De Jong, L. M. (1999). The efficacy of a developmental follow-up program for high-risk infants [Master's thesis, Lynn University]. SPIRAL. https://spiral.lynn.edu/etds/121
