Navigating the path home: pioneering hospital-to-home transitions for children with medical complexity

Excerpt

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of Children with Medical Complexity (CMC). This can be attributed to a number of factors including improved outcomes after critical illness, medical and technological developments, better treatment options, and the adaptation of medical devices for home use, which have improved the life expectancy of children with previously considered untreatable conditions. These children make extensive use of complex medical care through the involvement of multiple healthcare professionals. In addition, they use complex home care since they require nursing care, medical equipment, and frequent inpatient contact with different healthcare professionals, among others. The transition from hospital-to-home care for CMC presents numerous challenges for their families, who suddenly find themselves responsible for providing complex care and coordinating various aspects of their child's care needs. Emotional support is also crucial during this fragile and delicate process. Guiding this transition carefully is important because living at home has shown positive psychological, emotional, and social benefits for both CMC and their families. …