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Background: Cognitive communication difficulties are a characteristic feature of dementia. These deficits have negative effects on all aspects of daily life. Yet, there are few options for standardized assessment of cognitive communication skills in people with dementia. Aims: To review published cognitive-communication assessments to determine what psychometrically sound assessments exist that are applicable to all people with dementia. Methods & Procedures: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using an established scoping review model. Cognitive-communication assessments validated in English with people with dementia were sought. A comprehensive search of eight relevant electronic databases was undertaken. Two reviewers independently analysed and assessed the psychometric quality of instruments that met inclusion criteria. Outcomes & Results: Four cognitive-communication assessments were included in the review. Although psychometrically sound, none was suitable for administration at all stages of dementia. Only one was validated for different dementia types. None included subtests for evaluation of conversation ability, and none involved the evaluation of communication partners' communication. Conclusions & Implications: There are limited options for standardized communication assessment for individuals with dementia and their communication partners. Directions for the development of new measures are provided to facilitate research and improve clinical practice.

Workforce development is a priority across many state Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Title V programs. Three case studies were conducted to explore varied state implementations of MCH workforce development initiatives. Three states utilized the online MCH Navigator resource to support orientation and ongoing professional development for staff and other partners. Key informant interviews and surveys were utilized to gather staff feedback on practical aspects of the project and to ascertain lessons learned by state MCH leadership during project implementation. Staff impressions of the MCH Navigator were generally positive. Staff reported that Navigator modules were useful to their current work and that completion of the modules resulted in expanded knowledge in key MCH competency areas and contributed to their professional development. Many indicated that they would recommend use of the Navigator to colleagues. State leaders found that utilization of introductory training sessions or the Navigator's online orientation modules were helpful in acclimating staff to the Navigator, although some staff still experienced minor technical challenges. State leaders across all three sites reported the value of preexisting tools on the Navigator site, including core competency self-assessments and orientation bundles; the leaders also noted that the Navigator represents a useful and thorough resource that can be integrated into state efforts to enhance professional development for MCH staff. The significant variation between the three states' implementations demonstrates the flexibility of the Navigator, highlighting its utility to meet state-specific needs. Keywords Workforce development * Title V * Professional development * Education * Training, Introduction A focus on workforce development is common among state Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Title V programs. In the 2010-2015 cycle of the Title V Needs Assessment, 30 of [...]

Background: The reduction of depression after delivery is one of the Healthy People 2010 targets. Postpartum depression (PPD) can inhibit care-giving practices and mother-child bonding and can lead some women to harm themselves. This study will examine correlates of maternal depression after delivery and associated stressors and will provide recommendations to address this issue in Oklahoma., Methods: Oklahoma Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data were used to estimate prevalence among demographic groups and related behaviors. Logistic regression modeling was used to produce adjusted odds ratios (p < 0.05) for factors and predictors associated with depression after delivery., Results: One in four new mothers reported symptoms of maternal depression within two to six months postpartum. Women 20-24 were twice as likely to indicate symptoms of depression when compared to women 35 or older; adolescents were 2.5 times as likely. Stressors found to increase the risk of depression symptoms were having an unintended pregnancy, arguing with a partner more than usual during pregnancy and having bills they could not pay. Receiving a postpartum health checkup was protective against postpartum depression symptoms., Conclusion: Every postpartum woman in Oklahoma should be screened for PPD using a valid and reliable scale. Providers should discuss the risks of PPD with pregnant women as a routine part of their prenatal care and encourage women to receive their postpartum health checkup within six weeks of delivery.

Background: The supine (back) sleep position has been found to be an important factor in the reduction of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This paper will examine infant sleep position in Oklahoma and offer recommendations to increase safe sleep practices for Oklahoma infants., Methods: Oklahoma Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data were used to estimate prevalence of sleep position among demographic maternal groups and related health behaviors. Chi-square tests were used to determine significance at p< 0.05. Logistic regression modeling was used to produce adjusted odds ratios to measure the association of selected independent variables and sleep position., Results: Fifty-six percent of Oklahoma newborns were placed on their backs to sleep most of the time, far short of the Healthy People 2010 goal of 70%. Almost 1 in 5 infants were placed on their stomachs to sleep, a known risk factor for SIDS. Women between 100-184% of the federal poverty level, African American women and mothers with more than one child were those least likely to place their infants on their backs to sleep., Conclusion: Overall, the issue of not utilizing the recommended safe sleep position, the supine position, is pervasive among all maternal groups in Oklahoma. Significant differences were present for only a few variables (race, income, parity) indicating a strong need for a consistent message on sleep position for all Oklahoma parents and grandparents.