Treatment & CarePediatricsConditions & TreatmentsPediatric Chronic Illness

Chronic Illness Management Program

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Our Specialized Services

The Chronic Illness Management Program (CIMP) focuses on treating children (up to age 21) with chronic, life-altering conditions including:

Diabetes
Cystic fibrosis
Sickle cell
Heart disease
Autoimmune disorders
Metabolic disorders
Organ transplants
Chronic respiratory disease
Other conditions that require strict adherence to prescribed treatment regimens

Our Individualized Approach

All participants in the Chronic Illness Management Program undergo an enhanced evaluation which is completed by the team medical provider and a mental health professional to assess the patient’s physical, emotional, mental, and psychological status. The team will then make recommendations for ongoing treatment; this may include ongoing outpatient services, referral for a follow-up with specialty providers, referral for mental health services, and/or admission to the four-week inpatient Chronic Illness Management Program located in New Brunswick, NJ.

Behavioral Approach

The behavioral approach includes:

Direct instruction to develop new skills/knowledge
Shaping of appropriate behavior
Reinforcement of positive behaviors
Experiential learning
Generalization of skills across activities and settings
Use of visual tools
Medication education
Structured nutritional counseling and instruction
Supportive psychological counseling

Treatment Environment

The treatment environment includes:

Intensive and varied daily exercise
Shopping/cooking experiences to promote good nutrition
Multiple daily therapies/activities
Outings to promote community reintegration
Family education and counseling
Psychological and educational testing, as indicated, to identify learning issues

Interventions

The interventions that patients can receive in an individual, group, or family format include:

Diabetes education with Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Other disease specific education with a Clinical Nurse Educator
Nutrition/dietitian support
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Recreational therapy
Psychological therapy
Child Life support
Patient Care coordination

Continuous glucose monitoring is available for diabetes patients in combination with focus on gaining metabolic control. Together, this represents a powerful vehicle for making effective and informed changes in each individual's diabetes care.

At the conclusion of an inpatient stay, our expectation is that each patient is significantly more independent at managing their medical condition. A principal goal of the program is to ensure a healthy transition back into the community. This means we help patients work with their outpatient medical treatment team, school, and community-based agencies to ensure success once they return home.

All patients who participate in the inpatient program attend follow up appointments at three, six, and 12 months post-hospitalization. These follow up appointments are with a medical provider, mental health clinician, and a nutritionist/diabetes care and education specialist to promote continued success in managing the chronic condition.

Outpatient Chronic Illness Management Program

Our Outpatient Chronic Illness Management Program is offered at Children's Specialized Hospital sites throughout NJ and consists of individual or group mental health support, nutrition support, and physical and/or occupational therapy evaluations and treatment.

What to expect?

Living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming, bring feelings of worry, frustration, and exasperation. Our outpatient psychotherapy services are designed to support children and adolescents through these challenges, providing a compassionate space where they can share their experiences and feelings.

Learn effective techniques to manage worry and frustration
Develop resilience and emotional strength
Discover healthier ways to cope with stress and frustrations of daily life
Practical tools and strategies to help navigate challenges
Addresses emotional psychological health, enhances spiritual and physical health
Dedicated therapist who meets you were you’re at and who truly listens and understands chronic illness impact on mental health

Our Chronic Illness Management Program outpatient psychotherapy is here to help children improve their quality of life and enhance their total health and wellbeing. To access these outpatient services, please call Programmatic Lead Ayana Hamilton at (732) 258-7411. Pending on insurance, a referral may be needed.Providers can complete the referral form and fax it to (609) 991-6145.