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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Valerie R. Leiter, PhD, Marty Wyngaarden Krauss, PhD, and Stephen P. Gulley, MSW. Heller School, Brandeis University, P.O. Box 9110, MS035, Waltham, MA 02454, (781)736-3833, leiter@brandeis.edu
The concept of a "medical home" for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) enjoys widespread support, but presents challenges for the multiple systems that provide needed services to these children. Because of the "related services" provisions of IDEA, public schools are a major provider of therapeutic services to CSHCN and care coordination problems between school systems and medical providers have been evident for decades. This presentation presents results from analyses of the NHIS-Disability Follow-Back data, focusing on the characteristics of CSHCN who received occupational, physical and/or speech therapy from one of three sources: the public schools only (group A; 75% of the children), health plans only (group B; 14%); or other sources (such as state agencies) or a combination of sources (group C; 11%). CSHCN in group A were significantly younger, had better health status, and were more likely to have communication and learning limitations. CSHCN in group B were significantly older, were more likely to use assistive devices, and were more likely to have mobility limitations. CSHCN in Group C were more likely to live in poverty and received a greater number of therapies. These results suggest a "division of labor" among systems of care for CSHCN. Analyses also examined whether families requested additional "related services" (15% of families), whether problems were experienced (79% of those requesting additional services), and the types of problems encountered. These analyses highlight the pivotal role of public schools as partners in the creation of medical homes for CSHCN.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Access and Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.