Child Health Advances Measured in Practice

The Child Health Advances Measured in Practice (CHAMP) Project is a unique statewide initiative for all interested Vermont primary care practices dedicated to improving preventive services and health outcomes for Vermont children from birth through adolescence and their families.
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CHAMPions of Child and Adolescent Health

VCHIP launched CHAMP in 2012 by building on its long-term partnerships with the University of Vermont College of Medicine, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), the Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Goals

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CHAMP’s long-term goal is to increase the efficiency, economy, and quality of care provided to Medicaid-eligible children and families. Building on the momentum of Bright Futures and Vermont's health care reform activities, CHAMP has created a multi-year network of practices that uses a longitudinal approach to improve outcomes. Practices engage in collaborative improvement activities to meet the evolving needs of health care professionals, children, and families.

Achievements

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  • COVID-19 Pandemic Response:  Leveraged the CHAMP network and partners by creating a statewide forum to address COVID-19 situation updates and share real-time scientific information/clinical guidance. There were 241 “VCHIP/AAP/AAFP/VDH COVID-19 Calls” held from March 2020 to October 2022, with more than 1,800 participants from primary care practices, subspecialties, K-12 schools, and other health-related organizations. These calls have now transitioned to “The Monthly Scoop” and are convened by the following partners:  AAPVT, VCHIP, VTAFP and Maternal and Child Health at VDH.
  • Selected Longitudinal (2015-2021) CHAMP Chart Review Improvements Include:
    • Substance Use Assessment Completion improved from 76% to 88%
    • Depression Assessment Completion improved from 81% to 90%

Highlights

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  • The CHAMP Practice Network now includes fifty (50) pediatric, family medicine and naturopathic practices and engages practices of all sizes and from all regions of the state. Practices may join at any time throughout the year. If interested in joining, please contact the CHAMP Project Director, at vchip.champ@med.uvm.edu.
  • CHAMP Annual Quality Improvement Collaborative Projects focus on relevant and timely topics. Participating practices have access to resources, templates, and tools to improve office systems and processes. Shared learning opportunities are incorporated, and MOC/CME credits are available. Recent projects include:
  • Minds, Hearts, and Hands: Collaborating to Promote Healthy Mental & Emotional Development (2022-2023) – Project in Process
  • Strengthening Vermont’s System of High-Performing Medical Homes: Optimizing the Well-Being of Our Patients and Ourselves (2021-2022)
  • Sharpening our Focus on ADHD: Using Guidelines and Partnerships to Improve Outcomes (2019-2020)

Resources

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CHAMP related Resources 

Project Team

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  • Christine Pellegrino, MS, ASQ CMQ/OE, CHAMP Project Director, Project Contact
  • Breena Holmes, MD, FAAP, Faculty
  • Wendy Davis, MD, FAAP, Faculty
  • Heidi Schumacher, MD, FAAP, Faculty
  • Vy Cao, MPH, Data Manager
  • Kelli Joyce, Project Coordinator
  • KC Cousineau, MA, Research Data Specialist