Pediatric Care Coordination: Lessons Learned and Future Priorities

Online J Issues Nurs. 2015 Sep 30;20(3):3.

Abstract

A fundamental component of the medical home model is care coordination. In Minnesota, this model informed design and implementation of the state's health care home (HCH) model, a key element of statewide healthcare reform legislation. Children with medical complexity (CMC) often require care from multiple specialists and community resources. Coordinating this multi-faceted care within the HCH is challenging. This article describes the need for specialized models of care coordination for CMC. Two models of care coordination for CMC were developed to address this challenge. The TeleFamilies Model of Pediatric Care Coordination uses an advanced practice registered nurse care (APRN) coordinator embedded within an established HCH. The PRoSPer Model of Pediatric Care Coordination uses a registered nurse/social worker care coordinator team embedded within a specialty care system. We describe key findings from implementation of these models, and conclude with lessons learned. Replication of the models is encouraged to increase the evidence base for care coordination for the growing population of children with medical complexities.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / trends*
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Disabled Children*
  • Health Care Reform / methods
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Minnesota
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Parents
  • Patient-Centered Care / methods*
  • Patient-Centered Care / trends
  • Professional-Patient Relations