TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Managing Technology in Children with Medical Complexity A1 - Feinstein, James A. A1 - Brittan, Mark A1 - Stille, Christopher J. A2 - Kline, Mark W. Y1 - 2018 N1 - T2 - Rudolph's Pediatrics, 23e AB - In 1987, the former US Office of Technology Assistance defined the medically fragile, technology-dependent child as “one who needs both a medical device to compensate for the loss of a vital body function and substantial ongoing nursing care to avert death or further disability.” The continued growth of medical knowledge and technology over the years has led to an increase in the number of children with medical complexity (CMC) who, through the use of technological assistance, live longer and at home, yet still have frequent hospital admissions. While no newer standard definition of medical complexity and fragility has been established, a number of definitions exist with the most common unifying theme being a reliance on medical technology devices, such as the use of a tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, an enteral feeding tube, or a vascular access device. Some have incorporated the use of assistive devices associated with communication or mobility impairments into the definition of technology assistance. In this chapter, we will review select technology devices and supports, examine the role of specialized therapists to address functionality, and discuss assistive devices and home modifications needed to improve the child’s mobility, transportation, and activities of daily living. Educational and communication devices are beyond the scope of this chapter due to their complexity and rapid change (see Chapter 89). SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/19 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1182927590 ER -