Evidence-based community pediatrics: building a bridge from bedside to neighborhood.
The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement "The Pediatrician's Role in Community Pediatrics" encourages all pediatricians to partner with their communities to create and disseminate innovative programs that improve child health. This article describes 4 pillars of a bridge to evidence-based community pediatrics for pediatricians interested in pursuing effective community action: (1) collaborate with the community to establish a specific, short-term, health-related goal; (2) identify evidence-based best practice(s) for achieving the shared goal; (3) collaborate with the community to adapt this best practice to the community's unique assets and constraints; and (4) evaluate the project by using appropriate expertise. Practical elements of each pillar are described and illustrated by specific examples from community-based efforts of pediatricians and are accompanied by specific resources to aid pediatricians in their future community health work.
Sanders
Lee M
LM
Department of Pediatrics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1601 NW 12th Ave, Suite 4063, PO Box 016820 (D820), Miami, FL 33136, USA. leesanders@miami.edu
Robinson
Thomas N
TN
Forster
Lourdes Q
LQ
Plax
Katie
K
Brosco
Jeffrey P
JP
Brito
Arturo
A
D019985:Benchmarking; D002648:Child; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006040:Goals; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation