Children have specific health needs that are not always sufficiently addressed in research involving adults. To better identify these needs, the NEED framework was adapted into a paediatric version. Several elements were modified, removed or added to reflect the specific characteristics of children while maintaining the overall structure of the adult framework. This makes it possible to assess the same conditions across different stages of life.
What are the main changes?
- Greater attention to the family: more attention is given both to the central role of parents in the child's life and care, and to the impact of a condition on the child's immediate surroundings, including siblings.
- Greater attention to development: an indicator was added to assess potential developmental delays. Other criteria were adapted according to age. For example, the impact on play is assessed in children aged 0-3 years, while the focus for older children and adolescents is on the impact on daily activities and leisure time.
- A focus on child-friendly care: specific elements were added to assess the availability of a child-friendly care environment and how healthcare providers prepare young people aged 16-17 for the transition to adult care.
The full publication is available here.
