Building Systems of Care for Children With Chronic Health Conditions.

Objective: To describe the leadership role that rehabilitation psychologists can play in improving the health care delivery system for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Setting: Midwest academic health center and surrounding communities. Participants: Children with chronic health conditions and disabilities and their families. Intervention: A model research demonstration project designed to promote family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated, and community-based care for CSHCN. The project aims to enhance environmental supports for CSHCN and their families in 2 ways: (a) by improving the ability of primary care providers to deliver effective chronic care management and (b) by integrating this improved clinical practice into an enhanced Medicaid managed care service delivery system for persons with chronic illness and disabilities. Conclusions: Psychologists have the potential to improve the quality of life of CSHCN and their families by intervening not only through direct services but also by promoting positive changes in the larger health care environment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)