PEDIATRIC PULMONARY CENTER - Project Title: University of Alabama at Birmingham Pediatric Pulmonary Center Applicant Organization Name: University of Alabama at Birmingham Funds Requested: $340,000/year; total $1,700,000 Needs Addressed: Approximately 19.5% of US children are considered Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN), with Alabama and the southeast consistently ranking higher than the national average in prevalence of CYSHCN, CYSHCN who live in poverty, proportion of African American CYSHCN, and infant mortality. Children with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, technology dependence, sleep-disordered breathing, and respiratory complications from neuromuscular disorders are a substantial portion of CYSHCN. There is a significant provider shortage, with only 66.9% of pediatric pulmonary fellowship positions filling from 2019-24, and an aging workforce. Nationally, on average, it is greater than 25 miles to a pediatric pulmonologist and 39.7 to a pediatric sleep provider. Companion shortages of nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and respiratory therapists who specialize in pediatric pulmonary care have resulted in a critical need to train the next generation of professionals and family leaders in interprofessional, family-centered, culturally competent care for this vulnerable population. Proposed Services: The UAB PPC has a 45-year history of interprofessional leadership training, having trained 247 fellows/trainees, who practice throughout the US. The PPC at UAB seeks to train MCH leaders in pediatric pulmonology, advanced practice nursing, social work, respiratory therapy, nutrition, and family leaders. The critical need for training will be addressed by five project goals: 1) Planning, implementing, and evaluating an interdisciplinary leadership training program in an exemplary clinical setting, framed by the MCH Leadership Competencies V4.5; 2) Recruiting and retaining a diverse cohort of faculty and trainees who are leaders in the care of children and families with chronic respiratory illness, pediatric sleep disorders, and other special health care needs; 3) Fully engaging with patients, family members, and others who have lived experiences with chronic respiratory conditions through family partnership and family-centered care in didactic, clinical, and community-based training; 4) Strengthening the robust network of MCH professionals with expertise in pediatric sleep disorders and chronic lung disease by collaborating with the state Title V agencies, MCH partners in the state and region, and the broader PPC national network; 5) Enhancing the knowledge and skills of professionals in MCH-related fields by disseminating knowledge and consultation related to pediatric pulmonary conditions, pediatric sleep disorders, public health, care of vulnerable MCH populations, and other topics which support MCH State and National Performance Measures. Populations to be Served: By providing interdisciplinary training and clinical services, engaging people with lived experience with chronic respiratory and sleep disorders, and strengthening the MCH partnerships, the UAB PPC will serve students and families who are future leaders, and will serve CYSHCN, particularly children with chronic pulmonary conditions and sleep disorders. State Title V Block Grants, health care providers, and related agencies will also be served through the provision of continuing education and consultation and subject matter expertise, which focus on vulnerable populations and integrating primary care, specialty care, and public health.
