# Implementation of a flow protocol in home care for children with special healthcare needs

## TL;DR

This paper presents a validated home care flow protocol for children with special healthcare needs in Brazil, with suggested improvements for better implementation.

## Contribution

The study introduces and validates a functional home care flow protocol tailored for children with special healthcare needs.

## Key findings

- The protocol was found to be valid and functional with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87.
- Adjustments were needed in transportation, communication, telecare, and emergency service activation.
- Mixed-method analysis confirmed the protocol's usability after suggested improvements.

## Abstract

to validate and implement a home care flow protocol for children with special healthcare needs.

mixed-method research conducted in home care services in Paraíba, Brazil, with 13 judges for content validity and 11 interviews with healthcare professionals after clinical implementation. Quantitative data were analyzed by calculating the Content Validity Index and Cronbach’s alpha, and qualitative data were analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. Mixed-method analysis was performed by integrating data in a joint display.

the instrument was considered substantial and valid, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. There was a need for adjustments to the protocol flowchart in the “transportation”, “communication with Primary Health Care”, “Singular Therapeutic Project implementation”, “telecare” and “emergency service activation” items.

the protocol was considered functional for use by home services after incorporation of the suggested adjustments.

validar e implementar protocolo de fluxo de atenção domiciliar às crianças com necessidades de saúde especiais.

pesquisa de método misto, realizada nos serviços de atenção domiciliar da Paraíba, Brasil, com 13 juízes, para validação de conteúdo, e 11 entrevistas com profissionais de saúde, após implementação clínica. A análise dos dados quantitativos foi realizada por meio do cálculo do Índice de Validação de Conteúdo e alfa de Cronbach, e dos dados qualitativos, por análise temática indutiva. A análise mista ocorreu por integração dos dados em joint display.

o instrumento foi considerado substancial e válido, com alfa de Cronbach de 0,87. Houve necessidade de adequações no fluxograma do protocolo nos itens “transporte”, “comunicação com a Atenção Primária à Saúde”, “realização do Projeto Terapêutico Singular”, “teleatendimento” e “acionamento do serviço de urgência”.

o protocolo foi considerado funcional para utilização pelos serviços domiciliares após incorporação dos ajustes sugeridos.