A case management system for infants with chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Pediatric Nursing
• Care Coordination

Background:

• Continuity of care is crucial for infants with chronic illnesses or developmental disabilities facing frequent hospitalizations.
• Effective care coordination systems are needed to manage complex health needs.
• Family-centered interventions are recognized for improving patient outcomes.

Observation:

• Project Continuity implemented a family-centered intervention and care coordination system.
• Families were integral to the planning and implementation of care plans.
• Procedures from industrial psychology (job analysis) and healthcare quality assurance were utilized.

Findings:

• The system successfully achieved continuity of care for vulnerable infants.
• It provided a framework for describing, monitoring, and assessing care coordination.
• Complex professional behaviors and outcomes of care coordination were evaluated.

Implications:

• This family-centered model can enhance care coordination for infants with complex health conditions.
• The integration of diverse methodologies offers a robust approach to evaluating care coordination.
• Improved continuity of care can lead to better health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations for infants.