Need For Care Coordination Research Articles

The Need for Care Coordination Among Children with Special Health Care Needs in Illinois

The objectives of this study were: 1) to estimate the need for care coordination among children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in Illinois, 2) to assess the need for care coordination among CSHCN in Illinois by sociodemographic, condition-related, and access to care factors, and 3) to discuss approaches for meeting the need for care coordination. The study included 745 Illinois families interviewed as part of the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey (SLAITS) of CSHCN. Classifying families of CSHCN as needing care coordination was based on three survey questions. The prevalence of the need for care coordination among CSHCN in Illinois was examined overall and by sociodemographic characteristics, descriptors of the child's health condition, and measures of access to services. Multivariable modeling was carried out to jointly assess these factors and the need for care coordination. In Illinois, 25.2% of CSHCN families reported a need for care coordination. Condition severity, need for supplementary/ancillary services, lack of insurance coverage and inadequate communication among providers were significantly associated with the need for care coordination (OR = 1.14, OR = 1.72, OR = 2.45, and OR = 3.08, respectively). Having a primary care provider/medical home was not associated with the need for care coordination in multivariable analysis. Coordination of health services is important for all children and all adults, but it is particularly important for children with special health care needs. The variation in the need for care coordination both within and across states underscores the need for flexibility in program and policy development for CSHCN.

EMS for Children: Recommendations for Coordinating Care for Children With Special Health Care Needs

Study objective: To address the need for coordinated care for children and their families during the acute care phase of their hospitalization. Methods: A multidiscipline task force developed this concept paper through a consensus process. The process was coordinated by the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program (a program of the Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The task force included representatives from prehospital care, acute care, rehabilitation, primary care, and education, as well as consumers. This representation provided a broad perspective on the needs of children and their families in the transition from hospital care to home. Conclusion: One designated individual is essential during the acute care phase who can assist the family with gaining information and resources to ensure a successful transition to community services and resources. This article provides a framework for acute care facilities and providers to use in planning services and working with acutely ill and injured children. Several recommendations highlight the need for care coordination to be initiated early in the child's hospitalization. An overview of services and resources (both health and educational) that a child and family may need is also provided. Such services and resources include identifying a care coordinator, working with the family to identify a primary care provider before hospital discharge, and building bridges with community-based health and education services. [Emergency Medical Services for Children, National Task Force on Children With Special Health Care Needs: EMS for children: Recommendations for coordinating care for children with special health care needs. Ann Emerg Med September 1997;30:274-280.]