2024 Children's of Alabama/UAB Annual Report

New Programs

Children with medical complexity (CMC) suffer from chronic, fragile conditions, functional limitations and frequent dependence upon medical devices. These children often face significant health management challenges, including high hospitalization rates, complex medical needs and fragmented care. In response, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics and Children’s of Alabama (COA) created the joint Pediatric Complex Care (Teal) Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing compassionate, coordinated and continuous care for these children both in and out of the hospital. CMC, which can include cerebral palsy, major neurological disorders and genetic conditions, requires an integrative approach to treatment. Children with these conditions often require multiple medications, medical supplies and frequent hospital visits, presenting a unique set of challenges for families and healthcare providers alike. Despite comprising less than 1% of all U.S. children, CMC accounts for more than 30% of all pediatric health care costs, 56% of hospitalized patients, 82% of hospital days and 86% of hospital charges in U.S. children’s hospitals. The Complex Care Program’s inpatient team, known as the Teal Team, is part of UAB’s Pediatric Hospital Medicine division. Since its inception in October 2023, the team has cared for more than 160 children. The multidisciplinary team is comprised of physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, nutritionists, case managers and social workers, all working together to provide comprehensive care for children during their hospital stays. At the heart of the Teal Program are four core values: Teamwork, Empathy, Access, and Longitudinal Care. Daily family-centered rounds and Complex Care Team Aims to Reframe Patient Care Through Collaborative Model By Emily Franklin

of all pediatric healthcare costs are related to CMC 30 %

of hospitalized patients are CMC 56 %

of hospital days are for CMC 82 %

2024 Academic Annual Report

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