Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), Division for Community Family Health and Equity

Briefly describe the project or projects in which the students will be involved and how the project (s) relates to health transformation.Note: Students should work on at least one joint project but can work on individual tasks as well.

In April 2014, HEALTH was selected to participate in Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN) to address infant mortality. The innovative state driven, multi-sector collaboration to reduce infant mortality and disparities birth outcomes by using the science of quality improvement, collaborative learning and innovations to share and implement effective evidence-based strategies. HEALTH has assembled a team, which includes key leaders, community-based organizations and providers who have committed to and have shared responsibility to assess data and develop strategies to reduce infant mortality among African Americans (the highest risk group) in Rhode Island. The goal of this effort is to “give all Rhode Island babies an equal opportunity to develop into healthy, productive adults by ensuring an equally healthy start.”

Paired Practica interns will assist the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) Division for Community Family Health and Equity in developing a plan to coordinate both internal and external efforts related to addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SdoH) to reduce infant mortality. Student interns will be involved in the conduct and analysis of key informant interviews with internal and external stakeholders over the course of the internship to determine both what is currently being done with respect to SDoH and how efforts can be better coordinated.

Interns will have the opportunity to observe and potentially participate in other related projects such as the RI Health Equity Zone Initiative and the Commission for Advocacy and Equity and a grant focused on graduation rates of minority males.

List three to five overall project objectives for the joint project that the students will work on and then describe the activities you envision them engaging in to achieve these objectives.

  • Research national and statewide legislation, policy and initiatives focused on reducing infant mortality from a social determinant of health framework as well as gaining background information about MCH programs at HEALTH.
  • Develop a Key Informant interview guide and conduct interviews with internal (other programs within HEALTH) and external stakeholders (other agencies in RI).
  • Analyze data from interviews providing recommendations to the agency about how to enhance the connections between the agency programs and maximize on their existing resources to address SDoH to reduce infant mortality.
  • Developa report, presentation, and communication plan based on the research, interviews and recommendations related to addressing SDoH to reduce infant mortality in RI.

Skills required for the project(s):

  • Microsoft word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Program Evaluation
  • Literature Review Skills
  • Qualitative Methods (Implementation)
  • Qualitative Methods (Analysis)
  • Survey Development
  • Synthesis of Information
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Effective Writing Skills
  • Effective Presentation Skills

Describe the deliverables expected from the “paired practica” team by the end of the summer (even if the project will be ongoing).

  • Key Informant Interview Guide
  • Results of KI interviews: report, presentation, communication plan