SHCN
Also written as: SHCN — Special Health Care Needs
Special Health Care Needs requiring ongoing medical care beyond typical adolescent services.
Full Definition
Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) refers to adolescents who require ongoing medical care, specialized services, or accommodations beyond those typically needed by healthy adolescents. This includes chronic medical conditions (diabetes, cystic fibrosis), developmental disabilities, mental health conditions requiring ongoing treatment, or technology-dependent conditions. Adolescents with SHCN require coordinated care, transition planning for adult services, and attention to both medical needs and typical adolescent developmental concerns including independence, peer relationships, and future planning.
Usage
Usage note: Used in care coordination and transition planning contexts.
In Context
- "The adolescent with SHCN required coordinated care planning for college transition." — Transition planning documentation
- "SHCN patients benefit from specialized adolescent medicine programs addressing both medical and developmental needs." — Program description