Chronic Illness in Children

Abstract

In 1980, Rogers and colleagues 1 articulated a change in the focus of pediatrics, with care of the hospitalized child and management of life-threatening illness occupying less of the pediatrician's time and effort. They concluded that the central concern for pediatricians had become to assist each child to become as full a member of society as his or her ability permits. Chronic medical conditions affect 10% to 20% of all children, 2 and many of these children require the attention of health and education professionals to reach their full potential. The 1984 report Chronically Ill Children in America 3 observed that chronically ill children constitute a neglected group that often experiences gaps in service and poor coordination of care and that, with their entire families, these children may suffer negative personal, social, and financial consequences. Some families report that no one in the health care system is available to help