PROBLEM: Only 20-30% of children in Colorado who experience a significant exposure to lead are estimated to undergo blood lead level testing, largely due to lack of education and awareness among outpatient pediatricians.
SOLUTION: Region 8 PEHSU co-developed a new Ambulatory Pediatric Medical Toxicology Rotation alongside colleagues at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety. PEHSU worked with colleagues at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to set up a process by which each pediatric resident on the rotation can help perform a home inspection for lead for children who have been identified as having elevated blood lead levels.
IMPACT: Home visits inform pediatric residents on how lead screening and testing should be performed and how to best work with partners at CDPHE to provide optimal care for children with lead exposure in a hands-on, engaging manner.
— Laurie Halmo, MD (edited for brevity)