A 'chronic disorder' health-care model for children with complex developmental disorders

Objectives: To conceptualize, develop and evaluate a 'chronic disorder' cli nical model of health services for children with 'low-severity' development al disorders assessed and treated within a public Child Development Unit. Methodology: Concepts of family empowerment, child resiliency and the manag ement of clinical complexity were explicitly incorporated into the service model and the clinical strategies in order to address long-term goals of pr evention and health promotion. To explore the efficacy of this model, a tel ephone audit survey was conducted of parents of 42 children seen sequential ly through this modified service. Results: Parent data indicate a high level of satisfaction with the integra ted, individualized assessment processes and effective transmission of info rmation through both written reports and dedicated discussion visits. A tre atment methodology based on parent chosen treatment goals for short and lon g time-frames was experienced as achievable and successful. Conclusions: These data suggest that the service goals of an integrated tea m process, parent empowerment and effective clinical collaborations may be achievable from a health care setting. A change in emphasis from remedial t reatment to adaptation, health promotion and tertiary prevention is integra l to these strategies. The concepts, clinical model and evaluation are pres ented to stimulate discussion around the question of what child health serv ices are attempting to achieve for children with complex developmental diso rders.