Implementation of components of a family navigation program for children with autism in a pediatric clinic: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis and intervention assists children with autism to reach their full potential. Children in rural areas experience extended wait times for early intervention, and parents are often concerned about meeting their child's needs with minimal support during the waiting period. Family navigation programs can help fill this gap, providing tools and emotional support to parents while waiting for early intervention to begin. OBJECTIVE: This project aimed to implement components of a family navigation program for children with autism through the promotion of evidence-based practices in a pediatric clinic in the United States. METHODS: This project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, including JBI PACES for pre- and post-audit data analysis and JBI GRiP for barrier analysis and strategy implementation. A follow-up audit was conducted to measure changes in compliance with recommendations. RESULTS: The follow-up results revealed a 23% increase Criterion 1, in which nurses received intensive training on the navigation program, and a 48% improvement in Criterion 2, in which patients received emotional support/anticipatory guidance after diagnosis of autism. There was 0% change in Criterion 3, where families received guidance on tracking the child's referral and waitlists. Finally, there was a 14.28% decrease in Criterion 4, where parents received guidance to create an action plan for their child with autism. The impact on families was limited due to no newly diagnosed individuals during the short implementation phase. CONCLUSIONS: Staff training is beneficial in providing navigation to parents of children diagnosed with autism. Annual competency training to reinforce best practices will ensure the continuity of care for children with autism. SPANISH ABSTRACT: https://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A714.