Children's HealthWatch - Tools & Measures

(From the Children's HealthWatch)  

The study design is a cross-sectional survey and surveillance study. Caregivers with children under four years of age who visit the Pediatric Emergency Department or Primary Care Clinic are interviewed by trained data collectors.  Children are weighed and measured at the time of visit. 

Children who are identified with significant growth delays are assessed to see whether they are receiving medical follow-up. If not, these children are referred to their primary care provider or the Growth and Nutrition Clinic for follow-up.

Families experiencing hunger or basic needs problems, are referred to food assistance, social, advocacy or outreach services on-site or in their neighborhood.

The Children's HealthWatch interview consists of several reliable and valid subscales that examine children's development, family food security, access to public assistance programs, caregiver mental health, and other demographic information.  

Outreach Services:

Many families experience challenging situations due to hardships associated with poverty- not enough food, unstable housing conditions, and inadequate home heating or cooling to name a few.  Through the Children's HealthWatch research survey instrument, many families are identified needing basic services such as adequate housing, food, and childcare.

Each Children's HealthWatch medical center has devised an outreach program to provide information and link families to important services in the community. Outreach efforts include acting as a family advocate.