Profile of technology-dependent children and adolescents in a referral pediatric hospital in the south of the country

Abstract

Objective to identify the profile of technology-dependent children and adolescents at a pediatric referral hospital in southern Brazil. Method a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Data was collected by analyzing medical records between January 2016 and December 2019 and stored in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for descriptive statistical analysis. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee under protocol number 5.115.194. Results: The prevalence was male (50.8%), pre-school age (30.8%), from Greater Florianópolis (60.1%). The most frequent diagnoses were related to prematurity/neonatal period, congenital anomalies/genetic defects, and neurological and/or neuromuscular diseases, corresponding to 37%, 33.2%, and 18.5%. The most commonly used technological devices were gastrostomy (56.3%) and tracheostomy (36.6%). 93.4% used continuous medication and 49.2% used four or more medications. Mothers were the main caregivers (80.9%). There were 31 deaths during the period. Conclusion and implications for practice this group has a high demand for care due to the main diagnosis, technological devices, medications, and possible complications. Identifying the profile of technology-dependent children and adolescents has helped to increase the visibility of a population that is constantly growing and thus provides comprehensive care according to their specific needs.