The KY State Systems Development Initiative (SSDI) is involved with all MCH domains. The purpose of this grant is to enhance the data analytic capacity within MCH in order to address three goals:

• Build and expand KY’s MCH data capacity to support Title V efforts
• Increase the linkage of key MCH datasets to improve the quality of data available for policy and program development
• Develop and enhance surveillance systems to address emerging MCH issues in KY

The SSDI grant provides KY an opportunity to build on existing data infrastructure and enhance the quality of data. SSDI program staff, comprised of MCH epidemiologists, assist in on-going needs assessment processes; monitor progress on NPMs, SPMs, and structural/process measures; complete analysis of all state-level data and data visualizations reported in the block grant; and contribute to various parts of the MCH block grant narrative.

In addition to activities directly connected to the block grant, SSDI staff are involved in data management and dissemination for a variety of MCH programs. Such programs include:

• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
• Child Fatality Review (CFR)
• Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) Case Registry
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
• Kentucky Birth Surveillance Registry (KBSR)
• Maternal Mortality Review (MMR)
• Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
• Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS)

Casey Gill, MCH Epidemiologist I, and Program Support Branch Manager Tracey Jewell provide administration and oversight of the SSDI grant. However, all MCH epidemiologists are involved in the aforementioned activities that support the KY MCH Title V efforts.

Achievements

Since improvements in data management and utilization are always progressing, a few MCH programs had some noteworthy achievements for the past grant cycle with the help of SSDI. These include:

• Multiple data linkages of various MCH datasets and other datasets within the CHFS have been performed by MCH epidemiologists over the past year. These linked datasets help to provide a more thorough and detailed understanding of the various factors impacting MCH populations. Insights provided by the linked datasets are being utilized to enhance programs and services and evaluation of outcomes.
• PRAMS has received four years of weighted data and two supplements to date and has shared the results of the analysis of the data with numerous MCH programs and stakeholders across the state. Information learned from PRAMS will greatly help MCH and Title V activities by expanding our understanding of maternal experience before and during pregnancy.
• MCH purchased access to a new secure web application known as REDCap, now utilized by numerous MCH programs for basic data collection and survey needs. Multiple surveys and surveillance projects have been created and utilized using REDCap.
• MCH purchased access to a mapping software program known as ArcGIS. This software will enable MCH epidemiologists to create maps that demonstrate data from various sources. This software will also aide MCH epidemiologists in identifying data lineage, cataloging MCH data, protecting sensitive data, ensuring data quality, and displaying MCH data in an easy-to-understand format for dissemination.
• CLPPP completed the process of building a new database for tracking of blood lead surveillance and management of childhood lead poisoning cases across the state. The new system now incorporates items needed for grant requirements/reporting as well as variables needed for program management.
• Improvements have been made in the creation of data visualization tools for stakeholders to include annual fact sheets of MCH priority indicators.
• Multiple data sharing agreements and memorandum of understandings have been updated and maintained to aid in the sharing of data across programs and Divisions.
• In FY22 OCSHCN created more surveys for the KEIS KIPDA region to assess the needs of telecommuting staff, F2F Health Information Support Group training needs, a survey for families receiving Care Coordination services, and a survey for participants of the ECHO Autism program to receive CME and MOC credits.

SSDI 5-Year Plan

While much has been achieved in the previous grant cycle, data is useless if not forward moving, and we must constantly think of the next set of goals. For the following grant cycle, SSDI hopes to further assist MCH programs in utilization of existing databases and improve data dissemination to stakeholders. This will be done by:

• Maintaining existing data collection methods while continuously identifying program-specific improvements.
• Expanding MCH REDCap utilization for data collection and survey needs.
• Expanding data visualization tools shared with stakeholders (including annual reports and fact sheets) based on shifting and evolving MCH issues and areas of concern.
• Improving data linkage among MCH programs to create a well-rounded understanding of health issues affecting KY’s MCH population.
• With multiple data reports to MCH, DPH, CHFS, and stakeholders, it is envisioned that MCH will be able to monitor any successful transition from data to action by different programs.