Self-management Intervention for Children With Chronic Medical Complexity: Pilot Feasibility Trial

Detailed Summary

The investigators have developed a tool to facilitate self-management for children with medical complexity (complex, multisystem chronic diseases) called MyChildCMC (My Child's Complex Medical Condition). MyChildCMC is an online, phone application (app) that engages parents daily in ongoing monitoring of common, crosscutting acute symptoms, including respiratory distress, inadequate feeding/fluid intake, fever, altered mental status, pain, and seizure status. The MyChildCMC app also guides parents to recognize early warning signs for health deteriorations to avoid acute events (i.e., ED visits and/or hospitalizations). Parent comments during the development of the MyChildCMC application revealed that the tool had potential in helping them manage their child's chronic conditions. This study will be the first to explore if online home monitoring using online technology is feasible, scalable, and can lead to improved CMC outcomes. This pilot trial for the MyChildCMC app was designed to determine preliminary impact by comparing outcomes (child QOL, child emergency department and hospital admissions, and parent/caregiver satisfaction with care) between the intervention and control groups. If successful, our approach will be a model for improving CMC care and reducing costs for families and children with medical complexity. Future MyChildCMC trials will integrate care coordination and a more robust alert system to help facilitate care and follow-up for patients.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions