Family Navigator Project

2019

Family Navigation programs have been developed to support the families of the identified patient, often a child or adolescent, to identify next steps in treatment planning. Family navigators have the potential to help consumers feel accepted and understood, in accordance with social comparison theory, which suggests that individuals with an illness are drawn to others with that particular illness (Calhoun, et al., 2010). In the current study, a Family Navigation program will be created within the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP) in Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Family Navigators, or caregivers of children with developmental disabilities and/or chronic illnesses, will work with families of newly diagnosed children in DDBP to navigate the often confusing and overwhelming systems both inside CCHMC and in the familys community. Data related to family quality of life, parent activation, and parental stress will be obtained and analyzed. Results of the study will guide future direction of the Family Navigation program within DDBP.

Local DD Services;

Developing & Disseminating Information, Other Direct/Model Services

Quality Assurance, Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances

Single-County

N/A