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Teaching
Tools, Strategies, and Resources, continued
| Vignette
2: Developing an Intervention to Reduce Infant Mortality |
The local health department,
physician, and hospitals are concerned about the high infant
mortality rate in their city. For the past 7 years, the overall
infant mortality rate has been one of the highest in the
state and has worsened in the last 3 years.
However,
an examination of these rates, by racial and ethnic group
and neighborhood,
has uncovered major disparities. The White residents in
the more affluent and middle-class neighborhoods have some
of
the lowest infant mortality rates in the state. African
American and Latino populations in the low-income neighborhoods
have
some of the highest rates in the country.
You have
been asked to consult with a coalition formed by the city
to
conduct
an in-depth analysis of nature and causes of the problem
and to develop recommended solutions. |
Goals
- Make
recommendations based on an analysis of the problem.
- Reduce
infant mortality in the city by 50% in 5 years.
Faculty
Guidance
 The following
are suggested questions and considerations to guide faculty in
evaluating the approach developed by the students:
- Is there
sufficient, appropriate quality data available? If not,
what is the plan for obtaining such data?
- Is the analysis
appropriate? Do the data and analysis consider these key factors:
- Cultural
- Racial
- Ethnic
- Linguistic
- Epidemiological
- Health
risk behaviors
- Cultural
protective factors
- Educational
and vocational
- Socioeconomic
- Do
the analysis and proposed interventions consider the role
of such root causes as racism, discrimination,
segregation, and stereotyping
as well as health behaviors?
- Does the
process for determining the causes and the solutions involve
community
members?
If so,
how?
- Do the interventions
consider the potential contributions of and ideas
for strengthening
social capital relative
to the problem?
- Is a written
strategic and action plan with identified leaders and
resources recommended?
- Are cultural,
linguistic, and other factors related to access
to quality
prenatal and
postnatal care,
immunizations, well-baby
visits,
and other contributors to infant
health incorporated into
the plan?
- Are nutrition,
home, and neighborhood environmental
factors considered?
- Are best
and/or evidence-based practices from other areas
considered?
- Is there
a plan for outcome evaluation based on data
that track culture-specific
epidemiological,
access,
nutrition, risk, and
protective factors?
- Does
the plan include policy advocacy to address
issues?
Resources
Healthy Start Initiative
Michael Lu, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., researcher in reproductive health,
see information and resources at the Center
for Healthier Children, Families & Communities
National
Fetal and Infant Mortality Program (free registration may be required)
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