BMC Psychiatry (Mar 2018)

A hybrid type I randomized effectiveness-implementation trial of patient navigation to improve access to services for children with autism spectrum disorder

  • Sarabeth Broder-Fingert,
  • Morgan Walls,
  • Marilyn Augustyn,
  • Rinad Beidas,
  • David Mandell,
  • Shannon Wiltsey-Stirman,
  • Michael Silverstein,
  • Emily Feinberg

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1661-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Background Significant racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities exist in access to evidence-based treatment services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Patient Navigation (PN) is a theory-based care management strategy designed to reduce disparities in access to care. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of PN a strategy to reduce disparities in access to evidence-based services for vulnerable children with ASD, as well as to explore factors that impact implementation. Methods This study uses a hybrid type I randomized effectiveness/implementation design to test effectiveness and collect data on implementation concurrently. It is a two-arm comparative effectiveness trial with a target of 125 participants per arm. Participants are families of children age 15–27 months who receive a positive screen for ASD at a primary care visit at urban clinics in Massachusetts (n = 6 clinics), Connecticut (n = 1), and Pennsylvania (n = 2). The trial measures diagnostic interval (number of days from positive screen to diagnostic determination) and time to receipt of evidence-based ASD services/recommended services (number of days from date of diagnosis to receipt of services) in those with PN compared to and activated control -Conventional Care Management – which is similar to care management received in a high quality medical home. At the same time, a mixed-method implementation evaluation is being carried out. Discussion This study will examine the effectiveness of PN to reduce the time to and receipt of evidence-based services for vulnerable children with ASD, as well as factors that influence implementation. Findings will tell us both if PN is an effective approach for improving access to evidence-based care for children with ASD, and inform future strategies for dissemination. Trial registration NCT02359084 Registered February 1, 2015.

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