Expanding Holistic Care Coordination in Kansas: A Report on Maternal and Child Health Services Program Collaborations
In 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Program collaborated with the Kansas Health Institute to investigate how the holistic care coordination (HCC) model could be expanded in primary care and maternal and child health programs in Kansas. This report delves into the current HCC services available for pregnant and postpartum Kansas residents, as well as children, particularly those between the ages of 0-8, with the goal of guiding future enhancements to HCC policy and practice in Kansas.
HCC is a patient-focused approach that takes into account the physical, emotional, and social aspects of a patient and their family when developing a healthcare plan. It recognizes that healthcare is not just about treating symptoms but also addressing underlying causes and promoting overall wellness. The KDHE Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Program saw great potential in expanding HCC services to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as young children in Kansas.
The report highlights existing HCC services available for pregnant and postpartum women, including prenatal care coordination, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, mental health services, and home visiting programs. Additionally, it discusses HCC services for children aged 0-8 years old such as developmental screenings, immunizations, healthy eating education, physical activity promotion, mental health support for families with young children at risk of developmental delays or mental health conditions.
With this information in mind, the KDHE Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Program aims to make improvements to its policies and practices related to HCC. The report concludes by emphasizing that continued collaboration between government agencies like KDHE Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Programs with nonprofit organizations like Kansas Health Institute will be crucial in promoting holistic care coordination for patients across Kansas.
