The document describes an app called "In the Loop" that was created by multiple agencies to help parents of children with special needs better organize information from various health professionals. The app empowers parents by helping them understand what to expect from appointments, prepare for appointments, and organize their experiences. An evaluation found increased downloads over time and mostly positive feedback from families and staff. Lessons learned include ensuring materials are accessible for those not tech-savvy, addressing privacy concerns, allowing time for lengthy development, and engaging stakeholders early. Next steps involve promoting app use through on-site champions and identifying barriers, as well as updating content and sharing the app more widely.

1. Team Members:
MSH Child Development Programs, Children’s Treatment
Network Simcoe-York, Region of York Early Intervention Services

2. CHALLENGE
THE
Support services for
children and families in York
Region are provided by
multiple agencies and
providers.
Parents would bring their
child to an appointment but
not remember the purpose
of the visit or who they
were scheduled to see.
Parents told us:
“We are overwhelmed and confused”

3. SOLUTION
THE
An app to make info from
multiple agencies easily
accessible, organized,
engaging and informative.
In the Loop empowers
parents by helping them to:
• understand what to expect;
• prepare for appointments;
and
• organize their experiences
with various health
professionals

4. PROJECT
THE
Evaluate/Revise Demo App:
Summer 2016
Soft Launch App:
September 2016
Promote App:
January-March 2017
Evaluate App:
August 2017
Evaluation Methods:
Track downloads/usage
Family/staff feedback surveys
Collaborative Implementation Plan:
• Developed YouTube videos for training
• Provided scripts and flyers for all staff to use
• Posted on Facebook and Twitter
• Link provided on agencies’ websites
Returning Users=55% Average Session Duration= 4 minutes
30
19
32
11
0
10
20
30
40
September October November December
In the Loop Downloads

5. LEARNINGS
EMBRACING FAILURE &
1. Not Everyone is Tech-savvy
Create resources and provide
hands-on time to learn
2. Agency Privacy Concerns x3
Does not require internet
therefore no risk to agency
3. Lengthy Development
Process
Harness a team impacted by the
challenge and excited to change
4. You Don’t Know What You
Don’t Know
Engage stakeholders early to
avoid costly/difficult changes

6. NEXT STEPS
THE
• Develop “Champions” at
each site location to help
support and promote use
• Identify barriers to
promotion
• Train an internal staff
member to manage
content updates
• Share with other
interested agencies