Identification and stratification tools for children with chronic pathology and complexity: systematic scoping review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Medical Informatics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Children with complex chronic conditions (CCC) are a growing global population.
• Heterogeneous identification and stratification methods hinder effective resource management.
• Validated tools are needed for precise classification and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify tools for stratifying children with CCC.
• To evaluate the psychometric properties of these tools.
• To assess their suitability for widespread application.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of six electronic databases was conducted.
• Articles published in the last decade, focusing on ages 0-25 years, were included.
• Nine tools were identified, with Expanded PedCom highlighted for its properties.

Main Results:

• Sixteen articles were included from 5,422 initial records.
• Nine tools for stratifying children with CCC were identified.
• Expanded PedCom demonstrated numerical precision, stratification capabilities, and excellent psychometric properties.

Conclusions:

• Expanded PedCom standardizes CCC classification, aiding resource allocation and global comparisons.
• Integrating such tools improves healthcare systems, ensuring equitable resource distribution and care pathways.
• Expanded PedCom is recommended for its precision and practicality in English and Spanish contexts.