What a great bunch of people reside on Lactnet! I have received a number of
e-mails discussing possible methods for collecting data on the outcomes of
poor information and support. I do not have the expertise to actually conduct
the survey but was wondering if this would make a good project for a graduate
student. We need a researcher to set up the data collection form to be
consistent and to make sure it captures the data we are looking for
(including the amount of money it costs to provide rescue services!). It
needs a bit of piloting and we could contribute our thoughts to what should
be on the form. This might even be the beginnings of a cost effective
analysis of lactation care and services, documenting the need, the extent of
the utilization, the outcomes, and the money saved to third party payers by
reimbursing for the services.

Is anyone a researcher or have access to graduate students, etc who might be
interested in this project. I also think we could obtain some funding for the
study to at least cover data collection and analysis. I see a place for all
of us to be able to use this form, including La Leche League Leaders, peer
counselors, etc. They do as much mop up duty as anyone else.

I think what we need for "Project Mop Up" is a big dose of Rescue Remedy and
a researcher who would work with us on setting this up. We will probably
generate more data than the computers know what to do with. Let's send out a
call for help and see if we can get this started.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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