As has been discussed in previous modules, physicians are often called upon to participate on medical, educational, and social service teams. As members of various teams, physicians also play an instrumental role in designing and implementing integrated service plans for children and families. The purpose of this module is to provide residents with the knowledge and skills necessary for collaborating and consulting with professionals from a variety of agencies and disciplines. Acquiring the skills to work effectively at a systems level empowers the physician to advocate for the delivery of integrated services to children with disabilities and special health care needs and their families at local, state, and even national levels. Included in this module is a section on resource allocation and funding sources.
Funding significantly impacts service delivery.
Physicians knowledgeable in this area are able to advocate for children and assist parents in accessing appropriate supports for their children. Objectives Explain collaboration and its appropriate use. Describe characteristics of effective collaboration, factors that impact the process, and barriers to its implementation. Describe service integration and how it benefits children with disabilities, their families, and providers. Identify factors that affect service integration and levels of implementation.