Goal #1: Evaluate length of interruption of breastfeeding due to a positive test result
Objectives: - Meet with hospital and gain an understanding of how the test is conducted and the time it takes for each step
- Map out timeline of when the 1st test results arrive back to the hospital to when the 2nd test results arrive back
Goal #2: Conduct a time study to evaluate the logistics of the process from the time the baby is born to when they get their NBS results from the state lab (and 2nd test results if the baby tests positive)
Objectives: - Coordinate with Lewis Gale Montgomery Hospital and the state lab to create a real-time timeline of the process
- Identify areas of improvement and communicate with Joy and Mary from Lewis Gale the feasibility of making these changes
Goal #3: Create an economical analysis of proposal to reduce interruption in breast feeding
Objectives: - Collect public data on babies with galactosemia and the expenses induced by the diagnosis
- Using public and potentially generated data, develop statistics on babies effected by galactosemia in Virginia to gauge the scale of the solution and analysis
- Create an economic analysis of the solution suitable to implement at Lewis Gale Hospital based on their resources available
Goal #4: Create a proposal of various implementations to be made in order to optimize the newborn screening process at both Lewis Gale Hospital and in the state of Virginia
Objectives: -Improve blood spot collection by making the NBS forms easier to fill out, replacing equipment, and improving drying process
-Improve courier collection efficiency by increasing number of pickups and standardizing use of coolers/blood transportation methods, working in cooperation with DCLS.
-Improving parental knowledge of both the severity of galactosemia and the necessity of choosing or being assigned a pediatrician
-Implementing an electronic interface system to more quickly deliver results.