Factors that Affect Parent Perceptions of Provider–Family Partnership for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Partnering between families and their children’s providers is a cornerstone of family-centered care. This study aimed to identify factors associated with family–provider partnership and determine the association between partnership and other outcome measures for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using data from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Multivariate models showed that CSHCN who are White non-Hispanic, younger than 12, reside in households with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level, and have a usual source of care were associated with family–provider partnership. Multivariate models showed that family–provider partnership was significantly associated with adequate insurance, early and continual screening, organized health care services, and transition preparedness. Family–provider partnership was associated with 20% fewer emergency department visits and 9% fewer school days missed. This study suggests that policies aimed at promoting family–provider partnership could increase health outcomes for CSHCN.