Home care of children and youth with complex health care needs and technology dependencies

Pediatrics. 2012 May;129(5):996-1005. doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-0606. Epub 2012 Apr 30.

Abstract

Children and youth with complex medical issues, especially those with technology dependencies, experience frequent and often lengthy hospitalizations. Hospital discharges for these children can be a complicated process that requires a deliberate, multistep approach. In addition to successful discharges to home, it is essential that pediatric providers develop and implement an interdisciplinary and coordinated plan of care that addresses the child's ongoing health care needs. The goal is to ensure that each child remains healthy, thrives, and obtains optimal medical home and developmental supports that promote ongoing care at home and minimize recurrent hospitalizations. This clinical report presents an approach to discharging the child with complex medical needs with technology dependencies from hospital to home and then continually addressing the needs of the child and family in the home environment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease / therapy*
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Disabled Children*
  • Equipment and Supplies*
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / organization & administration
  • Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interdisciplinary Communication*
  • Patient Discharge
  • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
  • Patient Readmission
  • Patient-Centered Care / organization & administration
  • Self-Help Devices*
  • United States