Current Programs
Family-Centered Care Programs
In addition to our ongoing research, the Hood Center for Families and Children supports several programs that provide family-centered care for children with chronic health conditions. These programs partner families with health care professionals to ensure open communication, shared decision-making, and mutual trust, in managing the health care needs of children and adolescents.
Epilepsy Open Access Project
Schools, communities and families are intertwined in the lives of children and youth with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Open Access project, at the Hood Center for Children and Families, Dartmouth Medical School, is working to integrate education, community outreach, transition planning, and seizure co-management to facilitate communication across those systems.
This site is a valuable Resource Center for Pediatric Epilepsy information. Below you will find Seizure Action Plan templates for your family, school, and community to ensure everyone is prepared when a seizure happens; links to web casts by Dr. Richard Morse, Chief Pediatric Neurologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, to help pediatricians better understand the complexity of pediatric epilepsy; and Resource Guides and Tips Sheets ranging in topics from Traveling with a Child with Epilepsy to Teens and Lifestyle Factors.
We are committed to providing the most up to date information regarding epilepsy as well as resources for families, schools and providers to ensure smooth and comprehensive communication with all parties involved in the care of child with epilepsy.
Epilepsy Resources
Local Resources: A listing of resources available in New Hampshire and Maine to ensure the best care, community involvement and easiest access for your child's needs.
National Resources: Throughout the country there is a wide network of communities working together for those living with epilepsy. Below are the best and most comprehensive resources, including e-communities which offer an opportunity to share with others what it's like living with epilepsy, and make connections with advocacy and family partnerships and organizations, summer camp and regional epilepsy foundations.
Online Resources: With links to secure chat rooms, international sites, educational resources and interactive sites these online resources provide not only information about pedicatric epilepsy but also a safe place to interact with others who are in the same situation as you and your family.
Educational Podcasts: Dr. Richard Morse, Chief of Pediatric Neurology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH, discusses the Febrile seizures, the classification of seizures and the evaluation of single, first time seizures, in short 8 minutes segments. This is the first of several updates regarding pediatric epilepsy given by neurologists across New Hampshire and Maine highlighting topics from seizure medications and classification to adolescent seizures and analyzing EEG reports.
Quick Tip Help Sheets: Provides easy to read information on travel, medications, and lifestyle factors related to epilepsy.
Resource Guide: This resource guide covers everything from seizure first aid, diet and health care costs, to links for support groups links, and schools and community awareness.
Seizure Action Plan This two page form includes descriptions of your child's seizures, medication list and dosage, emergency medical contacts and seizure first aid.
Integrated Community Services
This program is designed to respond to the needs of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) within the State of New Hampshire by creating an integrated, community-based system of care. Integrated Care for New Hampshire CSHCN will provide a single-entrance point for participating pediatric and family practice providers and community health centers to access services and resources and build capacity and expertise to respond effectively to the needs of CSHCN. For more information, contact Beth.Pearson@dartmouth.edu.
Partners in Chronic Care
Partners in Chronic Care is working to develop and implement a new model of care coordination that will result in optimal outcomes in patient health, family satisfaction and cost efficiency. Based in a pediatric primary care offices, the program includes home visits for assessment; team meetings; development and implementation of care coordination plans; and outcome measurements. For more information, contact Beth.Pearson@dartmouth.edu.
