Abstract

Objective: Home health care services (HHCS), a new concept in our country, aims to increase the quality of life of individuals and their families in their own environment and ensure their ability to continue their daily activities. The aim of our study was to evaluate the status and results of home health care services conducted for pediatric patients in our hospital and to identify the medical needs of patients to deliver higher quality service.

Material and Methods: Pediatric patients who were followed-up regularly for at least one year by Ankara Children’s Health and Diseases, Hematology and Oncology Training and Research Hospital, department of HHCS were included in the study. Demographic data were collected retrospectively from the hospital database system. Study data were recorded for descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 63 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 8.87±4.6 uears and the diagnosis was cerebral palsy (CP) and motor mental retardation (MMR) in 58.7%. A tracheostomy was present in 34.9% of the patients; 13 patients (20.6%) were ventilator-dependent and 71.4% of patients were dependent on at least one medical device. The mean number of doctor visits for a patient were 1.89 ± 1.23 (median: 2) times per year. The mean number of visits of non-physician health care professionals was 13.7 ± 14.8 (median: 10) times per year. Primary care was given by the mother in 95.2% of the patients in our study.

Conclusion: Children with special health care needs can be discharged home easier through HHCS. This reduces cost and brings many social advantages. Identifi cation of any defi ciencies of this service will improve quality in the future

Keywords: Child, Home care services, Chronic disease

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How to cite

1.
Ayar G, Şahin Ş, Yazıcı MU, Coşkun R, Yakut Hİ, Demirel F. Evaluation of Home Care Services in Chronically ill Children. Turk J Pediatr Dis [Internet]. 2015 Apr. 1 [cited 2025 May 24];9(1):12-7. Available from: https://turkjpediatrdis.org/article/view/347