Care maps for children with medical complexity. (6th October 2017) - Adams, Sherri
Abstract : Aim: Children with medical complexity require multiple providers and services to keep them well and at home. A care map is a patient/family‐created diagram that pictorially maps out this complex web of services. This study explored what care maps mean for families and healthcare providers to inform potential for clinical use. Method: Parents ( n =15) created care maps (hand drawn n =10 and computer‐generated n =5) and participated in semi‐structured interviews about the process of developing care maps and their perceived impact. Healthcare providers ( n =30) reviewed the parent‐created care maps and participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed for themes and emerging theory using a grounded theory analytical approach. Results: Data analysis revealed 13 overarching themes that were further categorized into three domains: features (characteristics of care maps), functions (what care maps do), and emerging outcomes (benefits of care map use). These domains further informed a definition and a theoretical model of how care maps work. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that care maps may be a way of supporting patient‐ and family‐centred care by graphically identifying and integrating experiences of the family as well as priorities for moving forward. What this paper adds: Care maps were endorsed as a useful tool by families and providers. They help healthcare providers better understand parental priorities for care. Parents can create care maps to demonstrate the complex burden of care. They are a unique visual way to incorporate narrative medicine into practice. What this paper adds: Care maps were endorsed as a useful tool by families and providers. They help healthcare providers better understand parental priorities for care. Parents can create care maps to demonstrate the complex burden of care. They are a unique visual way to incorporate narrative medicine into practice. This article is commented on by Cady on page1216–1217 of this issue. This article's abstract has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese. Follow the links from theabstract to view the translations. Video Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNeSXtAMs9Q&t=1s