Measuring LEND Core Competencies Using Trainee Follow-Up Surveys.

Objectives: Measuring the value-added impact of Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND) training on trainees' leadership and career trajectories is necessary to understand program efficacy. In the current study, we leveraged an existing ex post facto design to develop and test a new measure of LEND competencies and compare outcomes of LEND trainees and comparison peers.

Methods: We developed the LEND Outcomes Follow-Up Survey using a multi-step, mixed methods process.

Early Identification of Hearing Loss and Language Development at 32 Months of Age.

This study examines the relationship between the early identification of hearing loss and language outcomes for deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) children, with bilateral or unilateral hearing loss and with or without additional disabilities. It was hypothesized that hearing loss identified by 3 months of age would be associated with better language outcomes. Using a prospective, longitudinal design, 86 families completed developmental instruments at two time points: at an average age of 14.

Variation in cystic fibrosis newborn screening algorithms in the United States.

Rationale: Cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) algorithms in the United States vary by state. Differences in CF NBS algorithms could potentially affect the detection rate of CF newborns and lead to disparities in CF diagnosis amongst different racial and ethnic groups.

Objectives: Generate a database of CF NBS algorithms in the United States and identify processes that may potentially lead to missed diagnoses or lead to healthcare disparities.

A model to evaluate interprofessional training effectiveness: feasibility and five-year outcomes of a multi-site prospective cohort study.

Objectives: Assessing the impact of interdisciplinary training programs is highly desirable and needed. However, there are currently no established methods to prospectively assess long-term outcomes of trainees compared to individuals who did not receive training. Our objective was to test the feasibility of a longitudinal, prospective cohort design to evaluate training outcomes, and to use this method to evaluate Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND) training outcomes.

Cross-Sectional Survey on Newborn Screening in Wisconsin Amish and Mennonite Communities.

Old Order Amish and Mennonites, or Plain populations, are a growing minority in North America with unique health care delivery and access challenges coupled with higher frequencies of genetic disorders. The objective of this study was to determine newborn screening use and attitudes from western Wisconsin Plain communities. A cross-sectional survey, with an overall response rate of 25 %, provided data representing 2010 children.