Project DOCC – Delivery of Chronic Care

The Project DOCC-Delivery of Chronic Care is an educational program designed to illustrate the impact of chronic illness and or disability on the families of children with special healthcare needs in the hospital, at home, and in the community. Parents of children with chronic illness and disability created Project DOCC; in addition, parents, by virtue of their experience, also coordinate, implement, and teach the program. In 1994, Project DOCC originated at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York, with a five-hour curriculum consisting of three components for pediatric residents. These components included a grand rounds panel presentation, a home visit, and a parent interview (discussing the affected child’s chronic illness history). The project has since been replicated at several medical centers across the United States. Medical centers and parents work together as a team to implement Project DOCC. The project then becomes a mandatory requirement for all pediatric residents during their training. The curriculum is experienced in a designated rotation (e.g., behavioral and developmental pediatrics). In addition to establishing the pediatric residency-training program, Project DOCC has also developed curricula for nurses, social workers, therapists, educators, pastoral caregivers, and general education students.