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Release
UAlbany Researcher Studies
Follow-Up Care of
Newborns Screened for Genetic Disorders
$68k Project will look into developing national
policy standards for long-term care practices
Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980
ALBANY, N.Y. (July 13, 2005) -- Timothy J.
Hoff, an associate professor of health policy
and management at the University at Albany's
School of Public Health, has been awarded a
$68,000 contract by the University of Texas
Health Science Center at San Antonio through
the National Newborn Screening and Genetics
Resource Center and the Health Resources and
Services Administration to study long-term
follow up care of newborns who receive abnormal
screens for certain disorders. The project
is designed to increase understanding of activities
engaged in by state screening programs as it
relates to long-term follow up care.
"As newborn screening programs expand
nationally in terms of the number of disorders
screened for, there is an increasing need to
assure timely, appropriate, and ongoing care
for newborns diagnosed with a genetic or metabolic
disorder," said Hoff. "State screening
programs may serve as key points of oversight
for assuring proper integration of the newborn
into a system of care for their disorder."
Interviews and focus groups will be held with
leaders of state screening programs. In addition,
the study will gain knowledge about the availability
of genetic services in each state. Findings
will help inform the question of whether or
not national policies or guidelines might be
helpful in standardizing long-term follow-up
across state newborn screening programs.
Through its partnership with the New York
State Dept. of Health, UAlbany's School
of Public Health offers students immediate
access to internships at the Health Department,
Albany Medical College and variety of other
public and private health institutions throughout
New York State. Students have unique access
to study the most profound health issues facing
us today: the threat of bioterrorism; the spread
of HIV/AIDS and other emerging diseases; the
lack of affordable and accessible healthcare
for individuals and families; environmental
hazards; substance abuse and social violence;
maternal mortality in developing countries;
the promises and threats of genetic engineering;
protecting food and water supplies, research
on genetics and genomics and their application
to health care, and conducting health outcomes
and patient safety research.
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