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The child with medical complexity

Manuela Gallo1, Rino Agostiniani2, Roberta Pintus3

  • 1Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|January 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children with medical complexity require specialized care, presenting challenges and opportunities for healthcare. This review explores definitions, care strategies, and the unique experiences of these children and their families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Healthcare Management
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Children with medical complexity (CMC) pose significant challenges to healthcare systems, families, and society.
  • These children often have chronic, severe conditions requiring lifelong, continuous assistance.
  • Defining CMC remains complex, impacting care coordination and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review definitions and care strategies for children with medical complexity.
  • To highlight the experiences and feelings of physicians, parents, and children.
  • To explore the future of pediatrics through the lens of CMC, using prematurity as an example.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of definitions and care strategies for CMC.
  • Inclusion of qualitative perspectives from healthcare providers, families, and children.
  • Case study analysis of prematurity as a model for CMC.

Main Results:

  • Established definitions and outlined effective care strategies for CMC.
  • Provided insights into the lived experiences of all stakeholders involved.
  • Demonstrated advancements in treating CMC, particularly prematurity.

Conclusions:

  • Viewing CMC as an opportunity for clinical and societal growth is crucial.
  • An individualized, child-centered approach is essential for the future of pediatrics.
  • Understanding and addressing the unique needs of each child with medical complexity is paramount.

Keywords:
ChildrenChronic conditionIndividualized medicineMedical complexityPediatrics

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