Daily care demands of children with complex chronic conditions at home: a scoping review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the main home care needs of children with complex chronic conditions and technology dependencies after hospital discharge. Methods: a scoping review focusing on the care needed at home for children with complex chronic conditions and technology dependency. The search was conducted using the terms “child with disability”, “chronic disease”, “home care”, “mechanical ventilation”, and “caregivers”, as well as similar terms in English and Spanish, considering the last ten years. Results: seven studies were included. The main care areas identified were airway management, mechanical ventilation, life support equipment, ostomies, diet and medication administration, equipment cleaning, vital sign monitoring, basic life support, wound care, postural changes, personal hygiene, and bathing. Conclusions: the needs of children with complex chronic conditions at home require technical knowledge and adaptation of unique routines. This information contributes to the development of training programs for caregivers, with nurses acting as facilitators.