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Doctors and lawyers collaborating to HeLP children--outcomes from a successful partnership between professions

M.D. Klein, A.F. Beck, A.W. Henize, D.S. Parrish, E.E. Fink, R.S. Kahn
J Health Care Poor Underserved

Background: Clear associations exist between socioeconomic risks and health, and these risks are often amenable to legal interventions.

Methods: This is a case study of an implementation of a medical-legal partnership (MLP) in three pediatric primary care centers that serve a predominantly high-risk population. Referral circumstances and outcomes over the first three years are described.

Results: During the three-year study period, 1,808 MLP referrals were made for 1,614 patients by all levels of provider. Those referred were more likely to have asthma (p.0001) and developmental delay/behavioral disorder (p.0001) than the general clinic population. Housing (37%) and income/health benefit (33%) problems were the most common reasons for referral. Referrals led to 1,742 (89%) positive legal outcomes affecting nearly 6,000 cohabitating children and adults and translating into nearly $200,000 in recovered back benefits.

Conclusion: Successful MLP implementation enabled pediatric providers to address social determinants of health potentially improving health and reducing disparities.

Klein MD, Beck AF, Henize AW, Parrish DS, Fink EE, Kahn RS. Doctors and lawyers collaborating to HeLP children—outcomes from a successful partnership between professions. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2013;24(3):1063-1073. PMID: 23974381. DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2013.0147.

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Publication year
Resource type
Peer Reviewed Research
Outcomes
Process
Social Needs/ SDH
Population
Children and Youth
Social Determinant of Health
Economic Security
Education/Literacy
Health Care Access
Housing Quality
Housing Stability
Legal Services
Public Benefits
Study design
Other Study Design
Keywords