Implementing a social work care coordination model for children and youth with special health care needs in a rural-urban health system

Soc Work Health Care. 2024 Jan-Jun;63(3):188-204. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2024.2304010. Epub 2024 Jan 28.

Abstract

This retrospective chart review examined care coordination among pediatric patients with varying levels of medical complexity who received care in a rural-urban health system. Care coordination utilization across patient acuity levels was examined for meaningful differences in frequency and duration of care coordination services. Results indicated that patients with more severe medical complexity had increased frequency and duration of care coordination services, as well as different patterns of care coordination activity utilization. This model of pediatric outpatient care coordination provides a flexible and highly targeted approach for stratification of care and services based on the needs of the individual patient.

Keywords: Complex medical conditions; adolescents; medical home; pediatrics; social services.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Disabled Children*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Social Work
  • Urban Health