Issues Involved in the Definition and Classification of Chronic Health Conditions

• DOI: 10.1542/peds.91.4.787
• Publication Date: 2021-12-11T07:54:28Z
• Authors: Ellen C. Perrin; Paul Newacheck; I. Barry Pless; Dennis Drotar; Steven L. Gortmaker; John Leventhal; James M. Perrin; Ruth E.K. Stein; Deborah K. Walker; Michael Weitzman
• Keywords: Categorical variable; Expression (computer science); Chronic condition

The need for a widely applicable definition of chronic conditions research, policy, and program development has led to an extensive review the such definitions, considerations involved in their use, some recommendations new approach. This paper examines methodologic conceptual issues related defining classifying describes consequences resulting from decisions made about these issues. While most examples are taken child health applications, basic concepts apply all age groups. dominant method identifying children as having condition relied on presence individual lengthy duration. condition-specific or "categorical" approach increasingly seemed neither pragmatically nor conceptually sound. Thus, "generic" approach, which focuses elements that shared by many conditions, children, families, is recommended. Such might reflect child's functional status ongoing use medical services over specified time period. In addition, it suggested be classified based experience thus emphasizing tremendous variability expression seemingly similar conditions.