- Metagenomics Newborn Screening Program: UU Health has launched a new Newborn Screening Program to target both genetic and infectious diseases. There are over 5,000 known genetic diseases, and current screening approaches cannot scale to this magnitude. Next-generation sequencing technologies such as rapid whole genome sequencing and metagenomic DNA/RNA sequencing hold the keys to rapidly identifying deadly mutations and lethal infections in infants. By integrating these technologies with current newborn screening procedures, researchers can provide a more comprehensive, expedient method of identifying genetic and infectious morbidities.
- Family Planning Elevated: Expands access to contraceptive education, training and capacity building for Utah healthcare providers in order to provide comprehensive services to uninsured and under-insured Utahns across the state, especially in rural areas. This effort especially seeks to build capacity for highly effective and reversible, long-term contraceptive device usage at community health clinics.
- SUPeRAD Program: Substance Use in Pregnancy Recovery Addiction Dependence Clinic uses a collaborative and holistic approach to enhance prenatal and postnatal care to women suffering from substance use addictions. The successful Wasatch Front program has now been expanded to Carbon and Emory Counties as well as the Four Corners area. These areas are particularly hard-hit by the opioid crisis and other substance use problems.
- The Pediatric Comprehensive Care Program for Children with Medical Complexity: Children with medical complexity (CMC) have significant chronic health conditions that culminate in disabilities and technology-dependencies, medical fragility and substantial health service needs. Although they comprise less than 1% of all US children, they account for 30% of all pediatric health care costs. Traditional models of healthcare delivery do not and cannot meet their needs. CMC need integrated, goal-directed, high-value, subspecialty team-based care that optimizes the child’s health, function, quality of life and community participation. In response, the University of Utah’s Department of Pediatrics established the Pediatric Comprehensive Care Program in 2007. They’ve observed a 15% decrease in emergency department visits, 32% decrease in hospitalizations, and 68% decrease in hospital lengths of stay. Parent satisfaction is high, as is the quality of life of children in their care. The 10-year investment of the University of Utah’s Department of Pediatrics has positioned the Comprehensive Care Program as a nationally recognized clinical model of care delivery for CMC. Yet, it is severely constrained by limited healthcare funding for clinical operations, advocacy, research and education.
Women, Children, & Family Planning
2 min read
