Safety in Children With Medical Complexity: Our Canaries in the Coal Mine?

Authors

• Christine A. Schindler, Marquette UniversityFollow
• Elisabeth S. Pordes, Medical College of Wisconsin
• Steven D. Finkenbinder, Skywalk Pharmacy
• K. Jane Lee, Medical College of Wisconsin

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Publisher

Springer

Source Publication

Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics

Source ISSN

2198-6088

Abstract

Purpose of review

The goal of this paper is to describe the complicated and diverse safety risks facing children with medical complexity.

Recent findings

Children with medical complexity have an increased risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes related to multiple comorbidities, the complicated nature of their care, and frequent interactions with the health care system. The safety risks experienced by children with medical complexity are in large part due to the complex nature of their care rather than the specific risks posed by the complicated nature of their illnesses.

Summary

The complicated nature of care for children with medical complexity certainly highlights the risk of harm within our current health care system. These children highlight the vulnerabilities of our fragmented and often inefficient approach to care.

Comments

Accepted version. Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics, Vol. 5 (2019): 165-182. DOI. © 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Schindler, Christine A.; Pordes, Elisabeth S.; Finkenbinder, Steven D.; and Lee, K. Jane, "Safety in Children With Medical Complexity: Our Canaries in the Coal Mine?" (2019). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 770.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/770