The Association Between Care Coordination and Preventive Care Among Children With Special Health Care Needs

Abstract

Care coordination (CC) has shown positive outcomes among children with special health care needs (CSHCN); however, the association between CC and well-child care (WCC) visits is unknown. We hypothesize that CSHCN who receive CC are more likely to attend the recommended WCC visits. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of patients aged 15 months attending the Arizona Children’s Center clinic. Logistic regression models explored the association between children receiving CC and attending the recommended minimum WCC visits before 15 months of age. CC was associated with higher odds of proper WCC attendance (any CC service, adjusted odds ratio = 2.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.75-2.62; high level of CC, adjusted odds ratio = 2.61, 95% confidence interval = 1.73-3.94). Pediatric CC is associated with greater up-to-date status of the WCC schedule among CSHCN 15 months of age, and higher odds among children who receive higher levels of CC. Further research is needed to validate findings.

Care Coordination Needs of Families of Children with Down Syndrome: A Scoping Review to Inform Development of mHealth Applications for Families

“…Missing these recommended care considerations could lead to complications from co-occurring conditions, as well as gaps in care [ 7 , 8 ]. Further, it has been found that successful implementation of care coordination can increase completion of well-child care [ 9 ]. Care coordination can also influence caregivers’ perceptions of how well the care provided meets the needs of their families [ 2 , 10 ].…”