Translating Policy to Practice and Back Again : Implementing a Preconception Program in Delaware

The state of Delaware is in the unique position of implementing legislatively supported policy on preconception health. The state has allocated funding to translate preconception care policy to practice through a statewide program. The Delaware Division of Public Health has been given the responsibility of defining and implementing the preconception care program targeting a high-risk population. The state partnered with Medicaid, private practitioners, local hospitals, state service centers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers to develop a scope of program services that supplement the current clinical care provided at annual visits for women of childbearing age. Because the program has been in operation for 9 months, the Division of Public Health utilized feedback from the providing agencies to begin efforts for program sustainability and to modify the existing policy. Current efforts include developing outcome measures for the program, measuring program effectiveness through evaluation, and working with Medicaid and Managed Care Organizations to develop a reimbursement system for services.