Care coordination, family-centered care, and functional ability in children with special health care needs in the United States.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between care coordination, family-centered care, and functional ability among children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Analysis of data from the 2005-2006 National Survey of CSHCN revealed that the percentages of CSHCN receiving care coordination and family-centered care were 59.3 and 66.3, respectively. Children who did not receive care coordination had a 53% higher adjusted odds (odds ratio=1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.94, P<0.001) for a limitation in functional ability compared to CSHCN who received care coordination. Family-centered care was not associated with a limitation in functional ability in CSHCN (P=0.61). CSHCN are underserved with regard to care coordination and this appears to be associated with impaired functional ability. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality.