CDC Levels of Care Assessment Tool: Enhancing Maternal and Neonatal Health Outcomes

Risk-appropriate care is crucial for optimizing health outcomes for both pregnant women and newborns. This approach ensures that individuals with complex medical needs receive specialized care in facilities equipped with the necessary expertise and resources. For instance, pregnant women with severe heart conditions or infants born prematurely (before 32 weeks of gestation) require a level of care that only specialized centers can provide.

However, a significant challenge lies in the inconsistent definitions and monitoring of these levels of care across different regions. To address this gap, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the Cdc Levels Of Care Assessment Tool (LOCATe). This standardized tool is designed to assist states in evaluating the levels of maternal and neonatal care available within their facilities.

Introducing CDC LOCATe: A Standardized Assessment Tool

The CDC LOCATe tool (Levels of Care Assessment Tool) offers a robust framework for states and jurisdictions to implement standardized assessments of maternal and neonatal care levels. This tool is meticulously crafted, drawing upon the most current guidelines and policy statements from leading professional organizations, including:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)

By leveraging these established standards, CDC LOCATe ensures that assessments are grounded in evidence-based practices and reflect the current best practices in maternal and neonatal healthcare.

Utilizing CDC LOCATe: Process and Data Application

Alt Text: CDC LOCATe process infographic outlining four key stages: Build support for participation, Use tool to collect data, Analyze data and share results, and How states can use CDC LOCATe data. Icons represent each stage with simplified visuals of collaboration, data collection, analysis, and data application.

The implementation of CDC LOCATe is facilitated by state champions – agencies or organizations with existing networks within local hospitals. These champions guide facilities through the following key steps:

1. Build Support for Participation

Identify Collaborators: Engage key stakeholders to encourage hospital participation in utilizing CDC LOCATe.
Cultivate Relationships: Foster strong relationships to promote widespread, statewide participation in the assessment process.

2. Use Tool to Collect Data

Disseminate CDC LOCATe Link: Share the web link to the CDC LOCATe tool with all relevant facilities within the state.
Proactive Follow-up: Implement a system to follow up with facilities that have not yet responded to ensure comprehensive data collection.

3. Analyze Data and Share Results

Secure Data Transmission: States securely transmit collected data to the CDC for expert analysis.
Comprehensive Assessment: The CDC conducts a thorough assessment of maternal and neonatal care levels based on the submitted data.
Result Dissemination: The CDC provides states with detailed results, empowering them to utilize and distribute the findings as needed.

4. How States Can Leverage CDC LOCATe Data

CDC LOCATe delivers standardized assessments that offer invaluable insights. Participating states gain a clear understanding of care levels across different facilities and the distribution of essential staff and services throughout their jurisdiction.

By integrating CDC LOCATe data with other public health data sources, states can conduct in-depth analyses. This integrated approach allows for the examination of how levels of care and service volumes within a facility may correlate with and impact critical health outcomes for mothers and infants.

Target Users of CDC LOCATe

CDC LOCATe is specifically designed to empower public health decision-makers. It serves as a catalyst for informed discussions and collaborative efforts among partners dedicated to advancing risk-appropriate care, including:

State and Local Public Health Departments
State Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs)
Hospital Associations
Healthcare Providers Specializing in Maternal and Neonatal Care

The findings generated by CDC LOCATe serve as a crucial foundation for initiating conversations focused on enhancing health outcomes for both women and newborns.

Accessibility and Contact Information

The use of the CDC LOCATeSM tool is offered at no cost. For those interested in participating or seeking further information about CDC LOCATe, please reach out via email to [email protected].