The Lead Professional: Getting it right to coordinate care for children with exceptional health-care needs

Abstract

Care coordination is a key aspect of supporting children and young people's health and wellbeing (Kirk and Glendinning, 2004; Bachmann et al, 2009). The need for one person to coordinate care of children with complex and exceptional health-care needs is made clear in both research findings and current policy frameworks. The aim of this study, conducted in one health board in Scotland, was to identify existing coordinated care provision for children with exceptional health-care needs and whether the role of Lead Professional was enacted. A retrospective case-note review was conducted to identify current coordinated care provision and the Lead Professional. Findings suggested that there is a level of coordinated care in place for children and their families; however, aspects of the Lead Professional role need further investigation. In practice, enactment of the role of Lead Professional for children with exceptional health-care needs is variable. Further investigation of the Lead Professional role is needed so that coordinated care can be enhanced for children and their families.