The impact of technology dependence on children and their families

J Pediatr Health Care. 2013 Nov-Dec;27(6):451-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2012.05.003. Epub 2012 Jun 27.

Abstract

Advances in medical care and technologies have prolonged life for many children with medical complexity. These advances and their effects reinforce the need for further research to determine how children and their families are being affected by technology dependence and their quality of life. A review of the literature suggests that children, as well as their family members, are negatively affected by technology dependence in a variety of psychosocial domains. Implications for clinical care and future research of this population are discussed.

Keywords: Technology dependence; medical complexity; quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous* / psychology
  • Administration, Intravenous* / trends
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Colostomy* / psychology
  • Colostomy* / trends
  • Disabled Children* / psychology
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Home Care Services* / trends
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Patient Advocacy / psychology*
  • Pediatric Nursing*
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Respiration, Artificial* / psychology
  • Respiration, Artificial* / trends
  • Schools
  • Social Isolation / psychology
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Psychological