Perfil de crianças com necessidades especiais de saúde (CRIANES) na atenção domiciliar

Objective: to understand the profile of children and adolescents assisted by a Home Care Service in the Federal District, called Children With Special Health Care Needs, to clarify their demands and what strategies can be adopted to meet them. Methodology: quantitative, descriptive, documentary research. Results: children and adolescents accounted for 21% of all patients assisted. There were multiple pathologies, prevailing neurological diseases (75%), causing technological dependence, characterized by the use of devices, such as gastrostomy (70%), tracheostomy (60%) and oxygen therapy (50%). In the social aspect, low family income and femininization of care were detected. The multi-professional health team and home visits constituted care strategies. Conclusion: there was a profile of clinical complexity, high technological dependence and social vulnerability, with Home Care being a potent health care strategy. Among the weaknesses, the low number of child and adolescent patients and the difficulty in articulating with other sectors for comprehensive care.