Prevalence and clinical characteristics of children with medical complexity in Tottori Prefecture, Japan: A population-based longitudinal study.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the prevalence and background of children with medical complexity (CMC) and its secular trend in Japan. Methods CMC were defined as patients under the age of 20 years requiring medical care and devices. The patients were enrolled using the national health insurance claims data of three hospitals and two rehabilitation centers in Tottori Prefecture. The study period was divided into three periods: Period 1, 2007–2010; Period 2, 2011–2014; and Period 3, 2015–2018. Results A total of 378 CMC were enrolled. The prevalence of CMC was 1.88 per 1000 population among subjects aged Conclusions The prevalence of CMC increased almost twice during the 12-year study period; however, the increase in the number of patients with relatively preserved motor and intellectual abilities was pronounced. This study showed that the need for medical care and devices differed based on the underlying disorders and severity of CMC; therefore, individualized medical, welfare, and administrative services and education about the various types of CMC must be provided.