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Children and youth with medical complexity in Canada
97,600 children and youth with medical complexity were identified across Canada in 2015–2016.
Who are children and youth with medical complexity? They have a wide range of conditions and share 4 characteristics: complex chronic conditions, functional limitations, high health care use, and high need for caregiving.
Children and youth with medical complexity fall into 1 of 4 groups based on their complexity and health care needs.
Table: Types of medical complexity
| Type of medical complexity | Proportion of children and youth with medical complexity |
|---|---|
| Neurological impairment† | 8% |
| Single condition* | 68% |
| Multiple conditions | 16% |
| Neurological impairment with other condition(s) | 8% |
Notes
† A diverse group of constant and progressive health conditions that involve the central and peripheral nervous systems and result in functional and/or intellectual impairment.
* A complex chronic condition that affects only a single body system severely enough to require specialty pediatric care and often some time in hospital.
Sources
Hospital Morbidity Database and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System, 2010–2011 to 2015–2016, Canadian Institute for Health Information.
How to cite this document: Canadian Institute for Health Information. Children and youth with medical complexity in Canada [rate variation infographic]. Ottawa, ON: CIHI; 2020.
Copyright 2020 Canadian Institute for Health Information
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