Caring for Children With Special Health Care Needs and Their Families: What Advanced Practice Nurses Need to Know

According to a recent national survey, 1 in 5 American households with children has at least 1 child with a chronic or disabling health condition. Advanced practice nurses can facilitate effective, comprehensive, coordinated care for children with special health care needs by understanding the implications of chronic conditions on families, including psychosocial effects on children and family members, screening and transition issues, and the system of care for children with special health care needs. This article provides key recommendations for primary and specialty care providers based on the latest evidence from research.