Best Babies Collaboratives Model Use Of Technology to Increase Service Quality

First 5 LA's Healthy Births Initiative and its four community-based "Best Baby Collaboratives" (BBCs) are using innovative web-based technology to improve birth outcomes in high-risk areas of Los Angeles County.

This model tool was featured in a presentation last month given by Will Nicholas, First 5 LA research analyst, at the American Evaluation Association's annual conference in Portland. The event drew 2000 evaluation practitioners, academics, and students from around the world to discuss the latest evaluation theory and practice.

"We worked with a technology consulting group to develop a web-based grantee reporting system that also functions as a case management tool that allows collaborating organizations to make and receive referrals electronically, share client data, and establish a multi-agency log of client encounters," said Nicholas.

"We are among the first to adopt internet technology to support coordination of services to increase the quality of care to high-risk clients, while also serving as a key data source for evaluating the collaborations, " he added.

The system facilitates inter-agency collaboration by allowing for on-demand client data sharing and referral tracking. For example, a health clinic could refer a pregnant woman for domestic violence services and track referral completion using the online system.

The system is also used by LA Best Babies Network, a First 5 LA strategic partner in the Healthy Births initiative. The network helps the BBCs use the online data they generate to improve the quality of services they provide, according to Nicholas.

For more information, contact Nicholas at wnicholas@first5la.org or (213) 482-7548.