Association of general anxiety and pediatric dental preventive examination utilization, National Survey of Children's Health, 2021

INTRODUCTION

Many factors influence preventive dental health service access for children. The objective of this research was to examine one factor, general anxiety, in accessing at least one preventive dental examination in the past 12 months in children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) and children without special healthcare needs (CWSHCN).

METHODS

National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2021 were obtained for this cross-sectional research. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to determine association of anxiety and past 12-month preventive dental examinations.

RESULTS

The sample included 10 493 CSHCN, and 35 675 CWSHCN. Overall, 72.7% had past 12-month preventive dental examinations, and 9.9% had a healthcare provider indicate they had general anxiety. CSHCN with anxiety, CWSHCN with anxiety, and CSHCN without anxiety were more likely to have a past 12-month preventive dental examination visit than CWSHCN without anxiety (Adjusted Odds Ratios: 1.86, 1.39, 1.32, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest children with general anxiety (both CSHCN and CWSHCN) are more likely to have had at least one regular preventive dental visit within the past 12 months than CWSHCN and without general anxiety. There is a need for further understanding the relationship of general anxiety and dental health to improve the health of all children.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

CWSHCN without anxiety need individualized, comprehensive care with enough time, attention, instruction, and rewards to demonstrate to parents/guardians the importance of making routine preventive dental examinations a priority for their child.

Dental treatment of children with special healthcare needs: A retrospective study of 10 years of treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) often face oral health challenges. This retrospective cross-sectional study at a university hospital aimed to determine CSHCN's medical spectrum, dental treatment needs, and mode of treatment: general anesthesia (GA) or outpatient dental care (ODC).

DESIGN

Data from the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital, 2012-2022, were reviewed, considering age, gender, International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnoses, caries experience (dmft/DMFT), restorative parameters, and treatment under GA/ODC. For patients under GA, their American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was considered. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression were utilized.

RESULTS

Of 669 patients, congenital and chromosomal malformations (34.7%), diseases of the nervous system (19.1%), and mental and behavioral disorders (16.0%) were mainly diagnosed. Dentin caries prevalence was high at 79.1%, with treatments performed mainly under GA (51.4%). The odds of receiving treatment under GA decreased with patient age and increased with higher dmft/DMFT scores. Most under GA were classified as ASA 3 (51.7%), indicating high anesthesia risks.

CONCLUSION

Children with special healthcare needs often have diseases that can lead to higher challenges related to cooperation. The high prevalence of dentin caries underscores the substantial need for dental treatments, which were consequently often performed under GA, despite the associated risks. These findings stress the need for trained dental professionals.

Perceived social support and characteristics of social networks of families with children with special healthcare needs following the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) require more support than the average of their peers. Support systems for CSHCN were particularly affected by pandemic control measures. Perceived social support is a resource for health and wellbeing for CSHCN and their families. Associations of social support, mental health and socioeconomic status (SES) have been described. This study aims to (1) assess perceived social support in families with and without CSHCN; (2) describe structure and types of social networks of families with and without CSHCN; and (3) explore associations between perceived social support, disease complexity, child and caregiver mental health, and SES.

Methods

This is the third of a sequential series of cross-sectional online surveys conducted among caregivers of children ≤ 18 years in Germany since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, administered between 1st December 2022 and 10 March 2023. The Brief Social Support Scale (BS6) assessed perceived social support. Child and parental mental health were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and WHO-5 Wellbeing index. The CSHCN-Screener identified CSHCN. Descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling assessed associations between perceived social support, parent-reported child mental health problems, disease complexity, caregiver mental wellbeing and SES.

Results

The final sample included 381 participants, among them 76.6% (n = 292) CSHCN. 46.2% (n = 176) of caregivers reported moderate, i.e., at least occasional social support. Social support was largely provided by informal social networks consisting of partners, relatives and neighbors/friends. Linear regression modeling revealed associations of lower perceived social support with higher disease complexity of the child, lower caregiver mental wellbeing, lower SES and increasing caregiver age.

Conclusion

The results of this study describe inequalities in perceived social support according to disease complexity of the child, caregiver mental health and socioeconomic status. They highlight the importance of social support and support networks as a resource for wellbeing of caregivers and CSHCN. Moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery strategies should focus on low-threshold interventions based in the community to improve social support for families with CSHCN and actively involve caregivers in identifying needs and co-creating new approaches.

Perceived Value of the Inclusion of Parent-to-Parent Support in Case Conferences and Care Planning for Children With Special Healthcare Needs

This chapter qualitatively explored the impact of including parent liaisons (i.e., parents with lived experience caring for a child with complex needs, who support other caregivers in navigating child and family needs) in a case conferencing model for children with complex medical/social needs. Case conferences are used to address fragmented care, shared decision-making, and set patient-centered goals. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians and parent liaisons to assess the involvement of parent liaisons in case conferencing. Two main themes included benefits of parent liaison involvement (10 subthemes) and challenges to parent liaison involvement (5 subthemes). Clinicians reported that liaison participation and support of patients reduced stress for clinicians as well as family members. Challenges to liaison involvement included clinical team/parent liaison communication delays, which were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Parent liaison involvement in case conferences is perceived to be beneficial to children with complex needs, their families, and the clinical team. Integration of liaisons ensures the familial perspective is included in clinical goal setting.

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BACKGROUND

Food insecurity is linked to an increased risk of childhood obesity and other adverse health issues.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the disproportionate impact of food insecurity on childhood obesity among children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we pooled data from 4 years (2016 to 2019) of the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) for a nationally representative sample of 10 to 17 years old noninstitutionalized U.S. children (N = 68 942). Using logistic regression models, we examined the odds of childhood obesity or overweight by including an interaction between family food situation and CSHCN status.

RESULTS

Among 10-17 years old U.S. children, 31% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.1%-31.9%) had obesity or overweight, 24.1% had special healthcare needs, 27.2% were from families with food insecurity, and 6.4% were from families with food insufficiency. CSHCN were more likely to be impacted by obesity or overweight than non-CSHCN (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.18-1.141). Moreover, children living in food insecurity (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.52-1.92) and food insufficiency (OR = 2, 95% CI = 1.67-2.4) were more likely than those living in food-secure families to be impacted by obesity or overweight. CSHCN living in food insecurity were significantly more likely to be impacted by obesity or overweight than non-CSHCN in similar households.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that food insecurity can put CSHCN at disproportionately greater risk of obesity or overweight than non-CSHCN. The findings underscore considering CSHCN status in conjunction with household food insecurity in designing and implementing medical interventions or public policies targeted at childhood obesity or overweight.

Medication management strategies by family caregivers of children with special healthcare needs

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the strategies utilized by family caregivers managing medications for their children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), those who require higher than normal care due to their multifaceted healthcare needs. Medication management strategies are a set of methods or techniques developed or adapted by caregivers to overcome medication-related barriers and ensure successful therapeutic outcomes. An in-depth understanding of such strategies is a requisite first step toward developing interventions that support caregiver-mediated medication management.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 family caregivers of CSHCN who were recruited as part of a community engaged research between Purdue University College of Pharmacy and Indiana Family to Family. Interviews were conducted through zoom and audio recorded. Each participant was provided with a $50 honorarium. Interviews were professionally transcribed and content analyzed to generate categories of medication management strategies.

RESULTS

Five overarching categories of medication management strategies were identified. These included (1) medications, supplies and equipment inventory management; (2) organizing and tracking medications, supplies and equipment; (3) medication-related communication, coordination and engagement; (4) medication administration and (5) researching and learning about medications. Within each category, caregivers developed or adapted specific strategies to overcome barriers in diverse care contexts (e.g., when interacting with healthcare systems, school staff or other members of their household).

CONCLUSION

These findings can inform current clinical practice through improved awareness of different strategies employed by caregivers and lay a foundation to develop interventions designed to support caregiver mediated medication management.

"Hey Siri, Help Me Take Care of My Child": A Feasibility Study With Caregivers of Children With Special Healthcare Needs Using Voice Interaction and Automatic Speech Recognition in Remote Care Management

Background

About 23% of households in the United States have at least one child who has special healthcare needs. As most care activities occur at home, there is often a disconnect and lack of communication between families, home care nurses, and healthcare providers. Digital health technologies may help bridge this gap.

Objective

We conducted a pre-post study with a voice-enabled medical note taking (diary) app (SpeakHealth) in a real world setting with caregivers (parents, family members) of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) to understand feasibility of voice interaction and automatic speech recognition (ASR) for medical note taking at home.

Methods

In total, 41 parents of CSHCN were recruited. Participants completed a pre-study survey collecting demographic details, technology and care management preferences. Out of 41, 24 participants completed the study, using the app for 2 weeks and completing an exit survey. The app facilitated caregiver note-taking using voice interaction and ASR. An exit survey was conducted to collect feedback on technology adoption and changes in technology preferences in care management. We assessed the feasibility of the app by descriptively analyzing survey responses and user data following the key focus areas of acceptability, demand, implementation and integration, adaptation and expansion. In addition, perceived effectiveness of the app was assessed by comparing perceived changes in mobile app preferences among participants. In addition, the voice data, notes, and transcriptions were descriptively analyzed for understanding the feasibility of the app.

Results

The majority of the recruited parents were 35–44 years old (22, 53.7%), part of a two-parent household (30, 73.2%), white (37, 90.2%), had more than one child (31, 75.6%), lived in Ohio (37, 90.2%), used mobile health apps, mobile note taking apps or calendar apps (28, 68.3%) and patient portal apps (22, 53.7%) to track symptoms and health events at home. Caregivers had experience with voice technology as well (32, 78%). Among those completed the post-study survey (in Likert Scale 1–5), ~80% of the caregivers agreed or strongly agreed that using the app would enhance their performance in completing tasks (perceived usefulness; mean = 3.4, SD = 0.8), the app is free of effort (perceived ease of use; mean = 3.2, SD = 0.9), and they would use the app in the future (behavioral intention; mean = 3.1, SD = 0.9). In total, 88 voice interactive patient notes were generated with the majority of the voice recordings being less than 20 s in length (66%). Most noted symptoms and conditions, medications, treatment and therapies, and patient behaviors. More than half of the caregivers reported that voice interaction with the app and using transcribed notes positively changed their preference of technology to use and methods for tracking symptoms and health events at home.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that voice interaction and ASR use in mobile apps are feasible and effective in keeping track of symptoms and health events at home. Future work is suggested toward using integrated and intelligent systems with voice interactions with broader populations.

Assessing and Addressing Social Determinants of Health Among Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs

Over several decades, a field of research has emerged to examine social and environmental factors that contribute to health inequities among children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN), with the goal of reducing inequities through identifying and mitigating these social determinants of health (SDH). The Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs National Research Network (CYSHCNet) national research agenda development process, described in a companion article, recognized SDH, as experienced by CYSHCN, and the effects on health inequity and child and family outcomes as a high priority area. Important gaps named included which strategies best identify and mitigate the effects of negative SDH and which outcomes are most meaningful to families receiving SDH-focused interventions. In this area, the highest priority questions were the following: 1) How can SDH be routinely addressed in the course of care for CYSHCN? 2) Which interventions most effectively integrate SDH to improve child and family outcomes? Here, we discuss the impact of SDH on CYSHCN, efforts to screen for and intervene upon SDH in this population, and gaps in the current research on SDH specific to CYSHCN. We make several recommendations for research studies that will move the field forward. This work should achieve a greater understanding of patterns and impacts of SDH experienced by CYSHCN. It will also contribute to optimizing identification of SDH and improving interventions to achieve equity in health outcomes identified by patients and families as important to them.

Association between adverse childhood experiences among children with special healthcare needs and dental care utilization

OBJECTIVES

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) often have consequences beyond the immediacy of any specific event. The purpose of this study is to identify if ACEs in children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) are associated with oral problems and dental care utilization.

METHODS

The data source for this cross-sectional, secondary data analysis study was the 2017-2018 National Survey of Children's Health. Children were categorized as CSHCN or children with no special healthcare needs (CNSHCN) who had no, 1, 2, or ≥3 ACEs. Rho-Scott Chi-Square tests and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

CSHCN who have had 1, 2, or ≥3 ACEs were significantly more likely to have had an oral problem or dental caries within the previous year as compared with CNSHCN who did not have any ACE. For no dental visits for any reason and no preventive visits, CSHCN at all levels of ACE were not significantly different from CNSHCN and no ACE in adjusted analyses. However, CNSHCN who had ≥3 ACEs were significantly more likely to not have had a preventive dental or any dental visit within the previous year.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationally representative study of children and adolescents in the United States, CSHCN who have had ACE were more likely to have oral health problems within the previous year as compared with CNSHCN who did not have ACE.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Outcomes of Healthy Children, Children With Special Health Care Needs and Their Caregivers-Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Several studies have described widening inequalities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly for adult populations. Children and adolescents are particularly impacted by the indirect effects of the pandemic and lockdown measures, such as reduced access to or delays in health care and school closures. National surveys in several countries also show a rising mental health burden in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with special health care needs are a particularly vulnerable group in this context as they rely on a wide range of services, which were mostly suspended during the first wave of the pandemic. This study aims: (1) to describe the mental health outcomes of children with and without special healthcare needs and of their caregivers following the first national lockdown in Germany; (2) to investigate variations in mental health outcomes and measures of pandemic burden according to socioeconomic status; (3) to assess the impact of socioeconomic status, disease complexity and psychosocial burden on parent-reported child mental health problems.

METHODS

We conducted an online survey among 1,619 caregivers of children aged 1-18 years from August 11th until October 5th 2020. Participants were recruited both from families of children with special healthcare needs and of healthy children. Inequalities were analysed by descriptive statistics, simple and hierarchical logistic regression modelling to explore the association between socioeconomic status and psychological outcome measures, disease complexity and general burden related to COVID-19.

RESULTS

There was a high prevalence of 57.4% of parent-reported mental health problems in children and of a positive screening score for depression in 30.9% of parents. Parent-reported mental health problems were more likely to affect children with low socioeconomic status, with complex chronic disease and those whose parents screened positive for depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights inequalities in parent-reported child mental health outcomes by socioeconomic status and disease complexity in a large sample of German families with and without children with special health care needs. Political measures should put children at the centre and aim to mitigate the unequal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the mental health of vulnerable children.

The process by which mothers of children with special healthcare needs evolve their connections with the community

Mothers of children with special healthcare needs often face many extra difficulties, such as being isolated in the community. This study, conducted in the San'in region of Japan between December 2017 and February 2019, aimed to clarify how the mothers established and adapted their connections within their communities through a qualitative descriptive design study. Participants were 12 mothers caring for children with special healthcare needs. Verbatim data on adapting to life after hospital discharge was collected through interviews and analyzed by the modified grounded theory approach. The data generated 14 concepts, which were grouped into four categories, as follows: Difficulties in life that arise from caring for children in social isolation; gaining an objective view of the current situation and future of caring for children with special healthcare needs; collaboration based on the understanding of relationships with others; and feeling fulfilled in life. These describe four phases that the mothers went through which are similar to each stage of the transition theory. Providing support via a collaborative partnership may be effective for mothers experiencing anxiety during the transition stages.

Hidden Devices in the School Setting: What the School Nurse Needs to Know About Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The Specialized Health Needs Interagency Collaboration (SHNIC) program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute is a community-based program that provides on-site training and technical assistance to safely manage the integration of children with special health needs into educational and community settings. SHNIC frequently receives seizure education requests throughout the school year, specifically regarding vagus nerve stimulation. Vagus nerve stimulation involves an implanted medical device used to deliver electrical pulses to the vagus nerve for additional seizure management. The school nurse needs to understand the purpose and function of the hidden medical device, including the parameters for use of the device and magnet, safety considerations, and side effects. SHNIC has developed educational materials specific to vagus nerve stimulation to aid the school nurse in providing staff training, developing care plans, and creating a safe school experience for students with special health needs.

Gaps and Factors Related to Receipt of Care within a Medical Home for Toddlers Born Preterm

OBJECTIVE

To characterize gaps and factors related to receipt of care within a medical home for toddlers born preterm.

STUDY DESIGN

Participants were 202 caregivers of children born at <35 weeks of gestation. At 10-16 months of corrected age, caregivers completed the National Survey of Children's Health (2011/2012) medical home module and a sociodemographic profile. Care within a medical home comprised having a personal doctor/nurse, a usual place for care, effective care coordination, family-centered care, and getting referrals when needed. Gestational age and neonatal follow-up clinic attendance were abstracted from the medical record. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition assessed developmental status. Log-binomial regression examined factors related to receiving care within a medical home.

RESULTS

Fifty-three percent (n = 107) of the children received care within a medical home. Low socioeconomic status (young caregiver: risk ratio [RR] = 0.73; 95% CI 0.55, 0.97; low education: RR= 0.69; 95% CI 0.49, 0.98) and delayed language (RR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.42, 0.95) were associated with a lower likelihood of receiving care within a medical home. Degree of prematurity and neonatal clinic follow-up participation were unrelated to receipt of care within a medical home.

CONCLUSIONS

Receipt of care within a medical home was lacking for nearly one-half of preterm toddlers, especially those with lower socioeconomic status and poorer developmental status. Discharge from a neonatal intensive care unit may be an optimal time to facilitate access to a primary care medical home and establish continuity of care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01576783.

Using Geospatial Analysis to Determine Access Gaps Among Children with Special Healthcare Needs

Purpose: To examine geospatial gaps in identification and evaluation of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) within public child development centers (CDCs).

Methods: A descriptive geospatial design was used to visually depict service gaps, proximity, and clustering of area-level sociodemographic attributes of Virginia counties, and patient-level data within each CDC.

Results: Geospatial analysis shows population density of uninsured children against CDC resources. Data visualization facilitates policy advocacy based on the identification of care and screening gaps for CSHCN.

Conclusion: This project illustrates the collaborative potential between researchers and Health Department members to identify gaps in access to care.

Prevalence of Brain Injuries among Children with Special Healthcare Needs

OBJECTIVES

To investigate differences in brain injury prevalence among US children by special healthcare needs status, accounting for sociodemographic and family characteristics, and to examine correlated health conditions among children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN).

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted cross-sectional analyses using parent/caregiver responses to the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health (n = 50 212 children). CSHCN status was based on responses to a 5-item tool designed to identify children through assessment of functional limitations, prescription medication use, elevated service use or need, use of specialized therapies, and ongoing emotional, developmental, or behavioral conditions. Brain injury history was reported by parents/caregivers based on healthcare provider diagnosis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Lifetime history of brain injury was significantly higher among CSHCN than non-CSHCN (6.7% vs 2.3%, P < .001). CSHCN make up 19% of the total US child population but comprise 42% of children with lifetime brain injuries. In addition, the prevalence of a number of comorbid conditions and functional limitations was significantly higher among CSHCN with lifetime brain injury vs those without brain injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of lifetime history of brain injury is nearly 3 times greater among CSHCN than among non-CSHCN. Several comorbid conditions among CSHCN are significantly associated with lifetime history of brain injury. Further studies are needed to examine the extent to which brain injury in CSHCN may exacerbate or be misdiagnosed as other comorbid conditions.

Respite care services for children with special healthcare needs: Parental perceptions

PURPOSE

Parents of children with special healthcare needs may become overwhelmed with the ongoing caregiving needs of their children. Caring for a child with special healthcare needs is often challenging, requiring specialized training in many cases. As a result, parents can struggle to find qualified caregivers capable of providing them a break from the 24/7 care of their child. Respite care programs are designed to provide caregivers with a much-needed temporary break. The purpose of this study was to examine parental perceptions of utilizing a respite care program.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-two parents who had a child with special healthcare needs who attended a Midwestern respite care program completed a Participant Characteristic Form addressing their experiences caring for their child with special healthcare needs and using respite care services. Parents participated in a focus group (N = 4) to explore their perceptions and experiences of respite care participation. Multistage thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Themes emerging from the data included: Constant care demands; It is just so stressful; Respite is a gift, we get a break; Respite program "fit"; and Respite is their special time too. Parents emphasized the benefits of respite care for their marital relationship, as well as the benefits to the children with special healthcare needs and their siblings. Parents also described the importance of tailoring respite care to the unique needs of their family.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses and other healthcare professionals play a critical role in addressing the unmet respite care needs of parents of children with special healthcare needs by identifying unmet needs and making appropriate referrals to services that will meet the unique needs of the family. Healthcare professionals can also volunteer with existing programs to help expand access to respite care services and increase the availability of adequately trained respite care providers whom parents can trust to provide for the complex healthcare needs of their children.

Disparities in Access to Healthcare Transition Services for Adolescents with Down Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To compare healthcare transition planning in adolescents with Down syndrome with adolescents with other special healthcare needs.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were drawn from the 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, a nationally representative sample with 17 114 adolescents aged 12-17 years. Parents were asked whether providers and the study child had discussed shifting to an adult provider, changing healthcare needs, maintaining health insurance coverage, and taking responsibility for self-care. The transition core outcome was a composite measure based on the results of these 4 questions. Multivariable logistic regression determined the association between Down syndrome and the transition core outcome as well as each of the 4 individual component measures.

RESULTS

Although 40% of adolescents with other special healthcare needs met the transition core outcome, 11.0% of adolescents with Down syndrome met this outcome. Adolescents with Down syndrome were less likely to be encouraged to take responsibility for their health (32.2% vs 78.4%). After adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors, adolescents with Down syndrome had 4 times the odds of not meeting the transition core outcome. For the component measures, Down syndrome adolescents had 4 times the odds of not being encouraged to take responsibility for self-care. Medical home access increased the odds of transition preparation.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with Down syndrome experience disparities in access to transition services. Provider goals for adolescents with Down syndrome should encourage as much independence as possible in their personal care and social lives.

Association of Transition Readiness to Intentional Self-Regulation and Hopeful Future Expectations in Youth With Illness

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how transition readiness relates to other developmental skills of adolescence in youth with chronic illness. Better understanding of how transition readiness relates to these other developmental skills could lead to a broader array of tools to improve transition readiness. Intentional self-regulation (ISR) and hopeful future expectations (HFE) are 2 developmental skills of adolescence that improve with participation in developmental programming and thus are modifiable.

METHODS

We explored associations between transition readiness, as measured by the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire 29 (TRAQ-29) and ISR and HFE in youth with chronic illness recruited from a variety of subspecialty clinics from a major southeast medical center.

RESULTS

A total of 71 adolescents with chronic illness were included in the analysis. The TRAQ-29 Self-Advocacy domain showed positive associations to both ISR (P = .03) and HFE (P = .009). In addition, the TRAQ-29 overall had positive associations to HFE (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The significant associations between TRAQ-29 Self-Advocacy domain scores and ISR and HFE suggest that transition readiness is developing within the context of other developmental areas in adolescence. More work is needed to see if the programming that improves these other developmental skills might also improve transition readiness.

Reported Wandering Behavior among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability

OBJECTIVE

To characterize wandering, or elopement, among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability.

STUDY DESIGN

Questions on wandering in the previous year were asked of parents of children with ASD with and without intellectual disability and children with intellectual disability without ASD as part of the 2011 Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services. The Pathways study sample was drawn from the much larger National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs conducted in 2009-2010.

RESULTS

For children with special healthcare needs diagnosed with either ASD, intellectual disability, or both, wandering or becoming lost during the previous year was reported for more than 1 in 4 children. Wandering was highest among children with ASD with intellectual disability (37.7%) followed by children with ASD without intellectual disability (32.7%), and then children with intellectual disability without ASD (23.7%), though the differences between these groups were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study affirms that wandering among children with ASD, regardless of intellectual disability status, is relatively common. However, wandering or becoming lost in the past year was also reported for many children with intellectual disability, indicating the need to broaden our understanding of this safety issue to other developmental disabilities.

Identifying Social Determinants of Health and Legal Needs for Children With Special Health Care Needs

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) require comprehensive care with high levels of community and government assistance. Medical-legal partnerships may be particularly suited to address needs for this population. To explore this, we conducted in-depth telephone interviews of families of CSHCN cared for in the primary care practice of our tertiary care children's hospital. The majority of the sample (N = 46) had been late on housing payments and 17% of homeowners had been threatened with foreclosure. Families frequently reported denial of public benefits. Approximately 10% had executed advance planning documents such as guardianship plans for the children or wills for the parents. A minority of families had sought help from community agencies or lawyers. Less than one third had ever discussed any of the issues with health care providers, but two thirds were likely or very likely to in the future. CSHCN may especially benefit from the social support of a medical-legal partnership.

Mixed-Methods Pilot Study: Disaster Preparedness of Families With Children Followed in an Intestinal Rehabilitation Clinic

BACKGROUND

Children with special healthcare needs are a vulnerable population in disasters. Special-needs families tend to be less prepared for a disaster than the general public. The purpose of this pilot project was to examine the disaster preparedness levels of families in an intestinal rehabilitation (IR) clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We administered an anonymous survey to a convenience sample of IR clinic families and conducted 2 focus groups. Descriptive analyses were used for survey data; Atlas.ti was used to analyze focus group data.

RESULTS

Survey findings revealed that 69% of families lacked an emergency supply kit, and 93% did not have a clinician-completed emergency information form. On a scale of 1-10, the mean confidence in their family's disaster preparations was 4.9. The overarching theme from focus group discussions was challenges and/or barriers to disaster preparedness.

CONCLUSION

IR clinic families are generally unprepared for a disaster. These findings are highly relevant to our goal of developing a disaster survival toolkit for the IR families. Toolkits are being distributed in the IR clinic.

Health care transition from pediatric care to adult care: opportunities and challenges under the Affordable Care Act

Enrollment of young adults is foundational to the success of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This article analyzes the implications for young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult care with the implementation of the ACA. We review the key characteristics of this population relevant to health care utilization and access as well as the impact of private insurance market reforms, health insurance marketplaces, Medicaid expansion, and workforce development provisions on this population. We then analyze how reform is impacting and will continue to impact specific populations of young adults, including individuals with disabilities, college students, immigrants, young adults who age out of the foster care system and individuals involved with the criminal justice system. Finally, we look at the socio-economic and political factors influencing outreach efforts, and make recommendations to maximize the benefits of the law for young adults to empower them to have access to care and financial security.

Exploring the usefulness of comprehensive care plans for children with medical complexity (CMC): a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The Medical Home model recommends that Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) receive a medical care plan, outlining the child's major medical issues and care needs to assist with care coordination. While care plans are a primary component of effective care coordination, the creation and maintenance of care plans is time, labor, and cost intensive, and the desired content of the care plan has not been studied. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the usefulness and desired content of comprehensive care plans by exploring the perceptions of parents and health care providers (HCPs) of children with medical complexity (CMC).

METHODS

This qualitative study utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus groups. HCPs (n = 15) and parents (n = 15) of CMC who had all used a comprehensive care plan were recruited from a tertiary pediatric academic health sciences center. Themes were identified through grounded theory analysis of interview and focus group data.

RESULTS

A multi-dimensional model of perceived care plan usefulness emerged. The model highlights three integral aspects of the care plan: care plan characteristics, activating factors and perceived outcomes of using a care plan. Care plans were perceived as a useful tool that centralized and focused the care of the child. Care plans were reported to flatten the hierarchical relationship between HCPs and parents, resulting in enhanced reciprocal information exchange and strengthened relationships. Participants expressed that a standardized template that is family-centered and includes content relevant to both the medical and social needs of the child is beneficial when integrated into overall care planning and delivery for CMC.

CONCLUSIONS

Care plans are perceived to be a useful tool to both health care providers and parents of CMC. These findings inform the utility and development of a comprehensive care plan template as well as a model of how and when to best utilize care plans within family-centered models of care.