An Open Letter to Physicians Who Intend to Use the Developmental Disabilities Digest

Dear Colleague,

The Developmental Disabilities Digest has been developed to assist primary care physicians in caring for persons with developmental disabilities.

In addition to primary care services to meet their general health needs, persons with developmental disabilities need specialty care to address problems specific to their unique conditions. The Developmental Disabilities Digest is a resource where primary care physicians can obtain information to assist them in providing this care and making appropriate referrals. This collection of key evidence-based clinical practice considerations synthesizes current information from hundreds of journal articles about the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions of people with developmental disabilities. Expert clinicians address a wide range of clinical issues, including health promotion and disease prevention strategies for genetic syndromes, acquired conditions, and specific health practices related to people with developmental disabilities. This critical information is not otherwise readily accessible in one location.

This project has been funded by a grant from the California Department of Developmental Services as part of its Wellness Initiative. The Digest is guided by an advisory committee of physicians with specialized expertise in developmental disabilities and implemented through a subcontract with the Center for Health Improvement (CHI), a prevention-focused health policy center.

It is our goal that the Digest will support primary care physicians, consumers with developmental disabilities and their families in making informed health care decisions.

Sincerely,

Felice Weber Parisi, MD, MPH
Chair, Digest Advisory Committee
Director, Clinical Services
Golden Gate Regional Center