Chronic disease in childhood and adolescence: continuity of care in the Health Care Network

Exploring experiences of mothers of children with thalassemia major in Indonesia: A descriptive phenomenological study

Background

Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that poses significant challenges for affected children and their families. Caregivers, particularly mothers, often experience difficulties in managing their child's condition. Understanding their current experience is crucial for improving care and support.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the experiences of mothers caring for children with thalassemia in Banten, Indonesia.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with eleven mothers of children diagnosed with thalassemia. Data were collected from April to May 2023. The interviews were audio recorded, and the data were analyzed verbatim using Colaizzi's method to identify key themes related to the experiences.

Results

Three themes were developed: 1) Perception of thalassemia as a genetic condition, 2) Emotional, logistical, and practical caregiving challenges, and 3) Support received by mothers in caring for children with thalassemia.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by mothers of children with thalassemia and emphasize the need for improved communication, emotional support, and care coordination from nurses and healthcare providers. Future research should focus on expanding support systems and exploring effective interventions to enhance the quality of life for families navigating the complexities of chronic illness.

A descriptive analysis of hospitalized adolescents facing chronic illnesses with different durations of disease

OBJECTIVES

To assess characteristics of hospitalized adolescents facing chronic diseases, correlating the perceptions of their illness, quality of life and the prevalence of risk behaviors, considering gender and the diseases' durations.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 61 adolescents, aged between 10 and 19 years, with chronic diseases, hospitalized at the University Hospital of the State University of Londrina. They answered a questionnaire and the scales World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ). They were divided in groups, according to the durations of the disease: group 1 (up to 4 years) and group 2 (5 years or more).

RESULTS

Group 2 demonstrated higher leisure activity (p = 0.02) and more painful symptoms (p = 0.02). In WHOQOL-BREF, group 2 had a higher quality of life in the domain on environment (p = 0.02) and a higher total score (p = 0.04). Lower scores on the IPQ were associated with higher scores on the WHOQOL-BREF. Positive correlation was found between WHOQOL-BREF total score and years of disease, in which male presented higher scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may alert to the need for more knowledge about the diseases and the importance of encouraging ways to improve quality of life and care to reduce risky behaviors.

Telehealth for children and adolescents with chronic pulmonary disease: systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To revise the impact of telehealth on the quality of life, reduction in pulmonary exacerbations, number of days using antibiotics, adherence to treatment, pulmonary function, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and the nutritional status of individuals with asthma and cystic fibrosis.

DATA SOURCE

Four databases were used, MEDLINE, LILACS, Web of Science and Cochrane, as well as manual searches in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Randomized clinical trials, published between January 2010 and December 2020, with participants aged 0 to 20 years, were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Seventy-one records were identified after the removal of duplicates; however, twelve trials were eligible for synthesis. Included trials utilized: mobile phone applications (n=5), web platforms (n= 4), mobile telemedicine unit (n=1), software with an electronic record (n=1), remote spirometer (n=1), and active video games platform (n=1). Three trials used two tools, including telephone calls. Among the different types of interventions, improvement in adherence, quality of life, and physiologic variables were observed for mobile application interventions and game platforms compared to usual care. Visits to the emergency department, unscheduled medical appointments, and hospitalizations were not reduced. There was considerable heterogeneity among studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that better control of symptoms, quality of life, and adherence to treatment can be attributed to the technological interventions used. Nevertheless, further research is needed to compare telehealth with face-to-face care and to indicate the most effective tools in the routine care of children with chronic lung diseases.

Theoretical and contextual considerations for self-management strategies of children and adolescents with chronic diseases: An integrative review

The primary aim of this integrative review was to critically evaluate and synthesize published, peer-reviewed research to better understand self-management strategies of children and adolescents with chronic diseases. This review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl's methodological framework. The Pediatric Self-management Model provided the theoretical framework for understanding how self-management behaviors operate within the domains of individual, family, community, and healthcare systems. In June 2019, the electronic databases of EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Scopus, along with reference lists of applicable studies, were searched for appropriate publications. The initial searches yielded 920 citations. Of these, 11 studies met inclusion criteria. A key finding was that involving children and adolescents in the design and delivery phases of interventions was most effective in improving self-management when the interventions did not outweigh cognitive ability or maturity level. In addition, incorporating self-efficacy promotion into self-management interventions may lead to greater sense of responsibility and improved health outcomes. In terms of intervention delivery of self-management strategies, the use of technological platforms and devices was revealed as a promising avenue for youth. A final implication was the importance of family members, peers, and healthcare providers in supporting children and adolescents in adopting self-management behaviors.

Predicting Continuity of Asthma Care Using a Machine Learning Model: Retrospective Cohort Study

Continuity of care (COC) has been shown to possess numerous health benefits for chronic diseases. Specifically, the establishment of its level can facilitate clinical decision-making and enhanced allocation of healthcare resources. However, the use of a generalizable predictive methodology to determine the COC in patients has been underinvestigated. To fill this research gap, this study aimed to develop a machine learning model to predict the future COC of asthma patients and explore the associated factors. We included 31,724 adult outpatients with asthma who received care from the University of Washington Medicine between 2011 and 2018, and examined 138 features to build the machine learning model. Following the 10-fold cross-validations, the proposed model yielded an accuracy of 88.20%, an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96, and an average F1 score of 0.86. Further analysis revealed that the severity of asthma, comorbidities, insurance, and age were highly correlated with the COC of patients with asthma. This study used predictive methods to obtain the COC of patients, and our excellent modeling strategy achieved high performance. After further optimization, the model could facilitate future clinical decisions, hospital management, and improve outcomes.

Continuity of care for children with chronic conditions after discharge: a constructivist grounded theory

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand the meaning of continuity of care for children with chronic conditions through transitional care from hospital to home. Methods: this is a qualitative study, conducted from a Constructivist Grounded Theory perspective. Purposive and theoretical sampling were used to recruit 35 participants, including nurses, professionals from the interprofessional hospital team, and actors responsible for healthcare in the home context. The research was conducted at two large hospitals, between March and September 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data analysis was carried out using initial and focused coding, according to constructivist grounded theory. Results: the substantive theory that emerged from this study was named “Postponing the next hospitalization”. Eight categories-concepts and 18 elements were derived from the data to support the substantive theory. Final Considerations: transitional care from hospital to home acts as a reminder for the resumption of continuity of care after discharge.

Nurse’s performance in the hospital discharge process of children with chronic disease

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the nurse’s performance in the hospital discharge process of children with chronic disease. Method: Qualitative research conducted from May to August/2019 with ten nurses working in a pediatric unit of a public hospital. The data, collected through semi-structured interviews, were submitted to inductive thematic analysis. Results: In the preparation for hospital discharge, nurses recognize health education as their attribution, valuing family knowledge in the training regarding home care. Nevertheless, their practice is weakened by the little articulation among the multiprofessional team, reduced nursing sizing and disarticulation in the health care network. Conclusion: There is a paradox between the report and the practice of the hospital discharge process accomplished by nurses. Although they have theoretical knowledge, their work process is influenced by the disarticulated way in which the multiprofessional team interacts, and the conditions provided by the institution to work in the preparation for hospital discharge of these children.

Atuação da enfermeira no processo de alta hospitalar de criança com doença crônica

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a atuação da enfermeira no processo de alta hospitalar de crianças com doença crônica. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa realizada de maio a agosto/2019 com dez enfermeiras de unidade pediátrica de hospital público. Os dados, coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, foram submetidos à análise temática indutiva. Resultados: No preparo para alta hospitalar, as enfermeiras reconhecem como sua atribuição a educação em saúde, valorizando o saber familiar na capacitação quanto aos cuidados domiciliares. Entretanto, sua prática é fragilizada pela pouca articulação entre a equipe multiprofissional, dimensionamento de enfermagem reduzido e desarticulação na rede de atenção à saúde. Conclusão: Evidencia-se paradoxo entre o relato e a prática do processo de alta hospitalar efetivado pelas enfermeiras. Embora possuam conhecimento teórico, seu processo de trabalho sofre influência do modo desarticulado como a equipe multiprofissional interage e das condições disponibilizadas pela instituição para atuarem no preparo para alta hospitalar dessas crianças.

Community based Primary Care for Adolescents and Young Adults Transitioning From Pediatric Specialty Care: Results from a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Ongoing primary care during adolescence is recommended by best practice guidelines for adolescents and young adults (AYAs; ages 12-25) with chronic conditions. A synthesis of the evidence on the roles of Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and benefits of primary care is needed to support existing guidelines.

METHODS

We used Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, and searched databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL) for studies that (i) were published in English between 2004 and 2019, (ii) focused on AYAs with a chronic condition(s) who had received specialist pediatric services, and (iii) included relevant findings about PCPs. An extraction tool was developed to organize data items across studies (eg, study design, participant demographics, outcomes).

RESULTS

Findings from 58 studies were synthesized; 29 (50%) studies focused exclusively on AYAs with chronic health conditions (eg, diabetes, cancer), while 19 (33%) focused exclusively on AYAs with mental health conditions. Roles of PCPs included managing medications, "non-complex" mental health conditions, referrals, and care coordination, etc. Frequency of PCP involvement varied by AYAs; however, female, non-Black, and older AYAs, and those with severe/complex conditions appeared more likely to visit a PCP. Positive outcomes were reported for shared-care models targeting various conditions (eg, cancer, concussion, mental health).

CONCLUSION

Our findings drew attention to the importance of effective collaboration among multi-disciplinary specialists, PCPs, and AYAs for overcoming multiple barriers to optimal transitional care. Highlighting the need for further study of the implementation of shared care models to design strategies for care delivery during transitions to adult care.

Dehospitalization of technology-dependent children: the perspective of the multiprofessional health team

OBJECTIVE

To know the dehospitalization of technology-dependent children from a multiprofessional perspective.

METHOD

A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, carried out in 2018 at a Teaching Hospital in the city of Porto Alegre. The participants were 15 members of the multidisciplinary health team. In data production, we used the Dynamics of Creativity and Sensitivity, "Creative Storm", which is part of the Sensitive Creative Method. Data interpretation occurred based on Thematic Content Analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

Dehospitalization is influenced by the absence of planning according to the reality of the child and the family. In addition, there is predominance of health services with a physician-centered model, unscheduled discharge, overload of professionals, and communication problems between the staff, the health network and the family.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Despite knowing the importance of dehospitalization, it still occurs in a fragmented manner, with hasty hospital discharge, preventing safe dehospitalization and with greater planning.

Health care network (dis)articulation in late and moderate prematurity

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the Health Care Network (dis)articulation of late and moderate premature infants in the first year of life.

METHOD

a qualitative study with semi-structured interview, which addressed the care network constitution in a municipality in southern Brazil. Fifteen mothers of infants participated. Thematic content analysis and flowchart were used to describe networks and services.

RESULTS

first contact in Primary Health Care is a decisive factor for the recognition and articulation of neonates/infants in the network and enables resolution, especially in childcare demands. Secondary and hospital care services support isolated acute events or chronic conditions, without articulation between levels of care and in a uniprofessional way.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

attention to health conditions is organized and structured in a uniprofessional, fragmented and disjointed way, which makes it impossible to form a Health Care Network premature infants' perspective.

Guarantee of the social rights of children with chronic conditions: reinventing care towards civil rights

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the experiences of families in the exercise of the rights of children with chronic conditions in public health, education and social assistance institutions.

METHOD

ethnographic multiple case study, with qualitative approach, following the theoretical approach of Boaventura Santos. Experiences of the families of these children in a city were studied through interviews with family members, managers and professionals from social institutions (35), participant observations in social spaces (13) and creation of eco-maps (3). Critical Discourse Analysis was performed.

RESULTS

the offer of services is lower than the demand, and exclusion processes persist. Given the hegemony of neoliberal and normality ideologies, meetings between family members and professionals revealed obstacles to civil rights; however, when these ideologies were challenged, the realization of their rights was enhanced.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the care to promote civil rights requires family members, managers and professionals to develop subjectivities that overcome neoliberal and normality ideologies, recognizing these children as subjects of law.

Family management ofchildren who experience sickle cell disease: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

to know the family management experience of children with sickle cell disease in the light of the Family Management Style Framework.

METHODS

a qualitative case study carried out between September/2015 and July/2016 with 12 members of eight families registered in a blood center in Minas Gerais. The semi-structured interviews were recorded, and the data were analyzed and interpreted by the hybrid model thematic analysis.

RESULTS

three management styles were identified: five families in the accommodating style; two families in the struggling style; and only one family in the enduring style.It was noted that empowerment was paramount in the acquisition of skills and abilities to care for these children.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

family management knowledge of children with sickle cell disease provided a reflection on nurses' role in supporting, orienting and encouraging the empowerment of these families aiming at the search for comprehensive care.

Social network of children with cronic disease: knowledge and practice of nursing

OBJECTIVES

To identify the knowledge and practice of primary care nurses about the social network approach for families of children with chronic diseases.

METHODS

Qualitative research, conducted by means of interviews with 23 family health nurses, from one municipality in Paraíba and one in Rio de Janeiro, from June to July of 2017. The data were interpreted using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Social network meant institutional support offered by services outside the unit, and socioeconomic problems involved the family context. In practice, nurses find it difficult to provide comprehensive care and establish ties with families. When referring to other professionals, a weakness in the counter-referral to the family health unit is found.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Some gaps were found regarding the knowledge and practice of nurses regarding the social network approach, which requires professional training to strengthen social relationships and the necessary support for families of children with chronic diseases.

CONTINUITY OF HOSPITAL DISCHARGE CARE FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: SPANISH PRACTICE

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand discharge plan and the facilities and difficulties for continuity of care in Primary Health Care. Method: a qualitative and exploratory study carried out in Madrid, Barcelona, Murcia, Seville and Granada, with 29 hospital liaison nurses working in university hospitals, between 2016 and 2018. For data collection, an online questionnaire was used with open and closed questions about the profile of nurses; work context; hospital discharge plan; communication between hospital nurses and primary care. All were analyzed based on Thematic Analysis. Results: hospital liaison nurses from Spain draw up a discharge plan at least 48 hours in advance. They offer a Continuity of Care Report, guide patients, families and caregivers to the necessary care after hospital discharge, coordinate consultations and referrals and carry out home visits. Communication with primary care occurs through the computerized system and telephone. Monitoring takes place using indicators and statistical reports. In cases of readmission, nurses are requested and contacted by nurses in primary care. Communication with primary care is among the facilities. Lack of liaison nurses is among the difficulties. Conclusion: hospital liaison nurses from Spain carry out a discharge plan and communicate with primary care. When patients are hospitalized, they are called when there is a need for continuity of care for primary care.

Itinerário da criança com microcefalia na rede de atenção à saúde

RESUMO Objetivos investigar o itinerário terapêutico de crianças com microcefalia associada ao Zika na rede de atenção à saúde; e descrever a vivência das mães em relação ao itinerário percorrido para o tratamento de seus filhos. Método Estudo norteado pela História Oral Temática, realizado em instituição pública filantrópica do município de João Pessoa-Paraíba. Foram entrevistadas dez mães de crianças com microcefalia entre abril e agosto de 2017. O material empírico foi submetido à análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados Os profissionais de saúde têm dificuldade para definir o diagnóstico de crianças com microcefalia, e se encontram despreparados para informá-lo aos pais, comprometendo o itinerário terapêutico dessas crianças. As experiências das mães em busca de tratamento para seus filhos são marcadas por estresse, medo, decepção e pela frágil rede de apoio familiar, resultando em sobrecarga materna. Conclusão e implicações para a prática A reestruturação dos fluxos e contrafluxos da Rede de Atenção à Saúde às crianças com microcefalia e seus familiares torna-se imprescindível, assim como, o fortalecimento da rede de apoio às mães.

ACCESS VERSUS CARE CONTINUITY IN HEALTH NETWORK SERVICES: EXPERIENCING POSSIBILITIES AND CONTRADICTIONS

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the meaning of access to health services with a view to care continuity in the care network for users and professionals. Method: qualitative research, which used the methodological steps of Grounded Theory, carried out from November 2015 to April 2017. The theoretical sampling was obtained with 33 participants from a hospital institution and a Family Health Strategy unit. The participants were organized into three sample groups according to circular and continuous orientation of data collection and Grounded Theory analysis. The analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the methodological framework which was composed of the open, axial and integrative coding phases. Results: four central concepts emerged from the data that demonstrate how participants experience access with a view to care continuity. These range from the first contact with the health network, through limitations and alternatives found to achieve perspectives to the care continuity in health actions and services. Conclusion: possibilities and contradictions were identified in the experience of care, with regard to access to health services and actions for the continuity of care, understanding them as feasible in health services, but divergent from the ideal advocated by the literature on the theme, as well as by the norms and prerogatives in force in the Unified Health System.

Predictive model of hospitalization for children and adolescents with chronic disease

ABSTRACT Objectives: Describe a predictive model of hospitalization frequency for children and adolescents with chronic disease. Methods: A decision tree-based model was built using a database of 141 children and adolescents with chronic disease admitted to a federal public hospital; 18 variables were included and the frequency of hospitalization was defined as the outcome. Results: The decision tree obtained in this study could properly classify 80.85% of the participants. Model reading provided an understanding that situations of greater vulnerability such as unemployment, low income, and limited or lack of family involvement in care were predictors of a higher frequency of hospitalization. Conclusions: The model suggests that nursing professionals should adopt prevention actions for modifiable factors and authorities should make investments in health promotion for non-modifiable factors. It also enhances the debate about differentiated care to these patients.

Liaison nurse activities at hospital discharge: a strategy for continuity of care

Objective

to describe the activities developed by the liaison nurses for the continuity of care after hospital discharge.

Method

descriptive, qualitative study, based on the theoretical reference. Strength Based Care. The sample comprised 23 liaison nurses. The data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire via Survey Monkey electronic platform and analyzed through the content analysis technique, with pre-defined categories.

Results

among the liaison nurses, nine (39.14%), between 35 and 44 years of age; 17 (73.91%) were female; 15 (65.22%) were working eleven years or more nurse and 11 (47.82%), were between six and ten years old as a liaison nurse. The professionals participate in the identification of the patients who need care after hospital discharge, coordinate the planning of the hospital discharge and transfer the patient’s information to an extra-hospital service.

Conclusion

the activities developed by the liaison nurses focus on the needs of the patient and the articulation with the extra-hospital services, and can be adapted to the Brazilian context as a strategy to minimize the discontinuity of care at the time of hospital discharge.

Cotidiano de cuidado de adolescentes com necessidades especiais de atenção à saúde

Resumo Objetivo Compreender o cotidiano de cuidado de adolescentes com necessidades especiais de atenção à saúde. Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa, pautada no referencial crítico-libertador Freireano, realizada no ambulatório pediátrico de um hospital de ensino, no segundo semestre de 2016. Realizou-se a análise de prontuários, entrevista semiestruturada e a construção do genograma e ecomapa de 35 adolescentes com algum tipo de demanda de saúde. Após a dupla transcrição, as entrevistas foram submetidas à análise de discurso Pechetiana. Resultados O cotidiano de cuidado desses adolescentes é traduzido por meio da higiene pessoal, aparência física, uso de medicamentos, nutrição e habituais modificados. O discurso dos adolescentes apresentou diferentes níveis emancipatórios: em alguns momentos a partir da adaptação e alienação, pelo costume e necessidade de ter que desenvolver o cuidado por meio de uma reprodução técnica, o que contribui para a opressão; e em outros momentos pela possibilidade de emancipação, a partir da reflexão sobre sua realidade e posicionar-se sobre ela. Conclusão O cotidiano de cuidado do adolescente é permeado pelas possibilidades e habilidades em diferentes níveis emancipatórios. A ausência de dialogicidade, troca de saberes e reflexão podem contribuir para o processo de opressão. A Enfermagem necessita possibilitar a troca de saberes e a reflexão, para que o adolescente transite de uma consciência ingênua para crítica.

The social network of adolescents who need special health care

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the social network of adolescents who need special health care. Method: A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in the pediatric outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital in southern Brazil. Thirty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age, followed by the construction of genograms and ecomaps. After transcription, the enunciations were subjected to Pêcheux’s method of discourse analysis. Results: The institutional network consists of health services, schools and religious entities, as well as adolescents’ families and friends. In the family network, women family members—such as mothers, grandmothers and aunts—have a special role. Final Consideration: The adolescents’ social network is composed of institutional and family circles. In the view of adolescents, the tertiary service is more capable of solving their problems, and for this reason used the most. In order to ensure these adolescents access to and continuity of care, the articulation between health policies and health services is suggested.

How have researchers defined and used the concept of 'continuity of care' for chronic conditions in the context of resource-constrained settings? A scoping review of existing literature and a proposed conceptual framework

BACKGROUND

Within the context of the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally, there is limited evidence on how researchers have explored the response to chronic health needs in the context of health policy and systems in low- and middle-income countries. Continuity of care (CoC) is one concept that represents several elements of a long-term model of care. This scoping review aims to map and describe the state of knowledge regarding how researchers in resource-constrained settings have defined and used the concept of CoC for chronic conditions in primary healthcare.

METHODS

This scoping review adopted the modified framework for interpretive scoping literature reviews. A systematic literature search in PubMed was performed, followed by a study selection process and data extraction, analysis and synthesis. Extracted data regarding the context of using CoC and the definition of CoC were analysed inductively to identify similar patterns; based on this, articles were divided into groups. MaxQDA was then used to re-code each article with themes according to the CoC definition to perform a cross-case synthesis under each identified group.

RESULTS

A total of 55 peer-reviewed articles, comprising reviews or commentaries and qualitative or quantitative studies, were included. The number of articles has increased over the years. Five groups were identified as those (1) reflecting a change across stages or systems of care, (2) mentioning continuity or lack of continuity without a detailed definition, (3) researching CoC in HIV/AIDS programmes and its scaling up to support management of NCDs, (4) researching CoC in NCD management, and (5) measuring CoC with validated questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Research or policy documents need to provide an explicit definition of CoC when this terminology is used. A framework for CoC is suggested, acknowledging three components for CoC (i.e. longitudinal care, the nature of the patient-provider relationship and coordinated care) while considering relevant contextual factors, particularly access and quality.

Factors associated with non-adherence to outpatient follow-up of neonatal intensive care discharge

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the factors associated with non-adherence to the outpatient follow-up of infants discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study that included 596 children who were discharged between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 and who were referred to outpatient follow-up. The data were collected by evaluating the discharge report and attendance to the consultations.

RESULTS

Of the 596 children referred for follow-up, 118 (19.80%) did not attend any outpatient care in the 12 months after discharge. Children with gestational age at birth ≥37 weeks (odds ratio 1.97, p=0.013), who were not resuscitated at birth (odds ratio 1.79, p=0.032) and those without continuous use of medications at home (odds ratio 1.69, p=0.046) were more likely to not adhere to outpatient follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The expressive number of non-adherence to follow-up indicates the need for actions to ensure care continuity to newborns at risk after hospital discharge. Although the differences pointed out cannot be defined as predictors of non-follow-up, evidence of these variables allows us to recognize risks and seek to reduce factors that influence abandoning follow-up care.

Self-care support for the management of type 1 diabetes during the transition from childhood to adolescence

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the needs of pre-adolescents with type 1 diabetes regarding self-care support for disease management. Method: Qualitative study conducted between October and December 2016 with pre-adolescents seen at a hospital outpatient clinic and at Family Health Units; semi-structured interviews were used. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis based on the theoretical basis of self-care support. Results: Nine pre-adolescents participated in the study. It was identified that in order to build self-efficacy, pre-adolescents need to overcome the disease denial phase, know how to handle feelings triggered by the need for lifestyle changes, receive support from their families and social networks, and have the self-awareness and self-perception needed to feel secure in managing their diabetes. Conclusion: The intrinsic challenges of adolescence and the way pre-adolescents with diabetes handle the disease have an influence on diabetes management and create needs that must be appreciated by health care professionals in order to provide self-care support.

Care coordination in Health Care for the child/adolescent in chronic condition

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the care coordination for the child and adolescent in chronic condition and users planning in the Health Care Network. Method: Qualitative study, conducted with 26 health professionals and managers through Focus Groups. Thematic content analysis was used. Results: Care coordination is fragile, with lack of support from the management, and presence of high turnover of managers and professionals. The limits in the network planning are due to frequent changes in the careflow. Communication between levels of care and lack of counter-referral makes network care unfeasible. Final considerations: There is a need for planning in the Health Care Network and establishment of careflow, as well as the construction of communication channels and tools of referral and counter-referral between professionals and services, for the constitution and integration of the network from the perspective of user-centered care.