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PNP roles and interventions with children with special needs and their families
L L Lindeke1, M Krajicek, D L Patterson
1School of Nursing, Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs, 6-101 WDH, 308 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Insights
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) can develop new roles to support children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and their families. Training can equip PNPs to improve health outcomes for these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Healthcare Policy
- Family-Centered Care
Background:
- Children with chronic conditions constitute a significant population, with 31% of US children under 18 affected.
- A small percentage of children with complex needs drive a substantial portion of pediatric healthcare costs.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) require enhanced skills beyond primary care to address the needs of CSHCN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and define specialized roles for PNPs in caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN).
- To guide PNPs in developing interventions that improve health, safety, and developmental outcomes for CSHCN and their families.
- To highlight the utility of role theory and research in advancing PNP practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and role theory to inform the development of new PNP roles.
- Description of two specific PNP roles with examples of nursing interventions.
- Identification of available resources to support PNP role expansion.
Main Results:
- PNPs can effectively serve CSHCN by assisting childcare centers with health and regulatory guidance.
- PNPs are crucial in managing the transition of adolescents with special health care needs from pediatric to adult services.
- Existing resources can aid PNPs in creating innovative roles and interventions.
Conclusions:
- PNPs are well-positioned to create specialized roles for CSHCN, enhancing care coordination and support.
- Targeted skill development and utilization of resources can empower PNPs to meet the complex needs of CSHCN.
- Expanding PNP roles is essential for improving the overall well-being of CSHCN and their families.
Abstract:
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) can create excellent professional roles caring for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and their families. Children with chronic conditions represent an estimated 31% of the US population younger than 18 years (approximately 20 million children in 1988). Five percent of all children who have multiple special needs account for approximately 40% of all pediatric health care expenditures. Skill building is needed for PNPs who have traditionally focused on wellness and common acute illnesses in primary care settings. Role theory and research can guide PNPs in creating roles and interventions to improve the health, safety, and developmental outcomes for CSHCN and their families. Two roles are described, with examples of specific nursing interventions. Assisting child care centers to serve children and families with special needs is an ideal role for PNPs who have knowledge of health and regulatory issues. Another important PNP role is working with adolescents with special health care needs as they transition from pediatric to adult care. Many resources (such as those from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau) are available to assist PNPs to create new roles and interventions for CSHCN and their families.
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