CEN Definition and Criteria
The National Managed Clinical Network for Children with Exceptional healthcare needs (CEN) was established in March 2009 with the aim of strengthening services for children with complex and exceptional healthcare needs in Scotland. The network looks to focus for audit and research purposes, the smaller group of children and young people with exceptional healthcare needs. The information obtained on the issues in the care of exceptional healthcare needs children and the recommendations and training based on this, will not only affect the future care of exceptional healthcare needs children but also the wider group of complex needs children.
CEN assessment criteria
The six impairment categories used for assessing the children and young people are:
- learning and mental functions
- communication
- motor skills
- self care
- hearing
- vision
A child or young person (up to the age of 19) is defined as having exceptional healthcare needs if they:
- have severe impairment recorded in at least 4 categories together with enteral/ parenteral feeding
OR
- have severe impairment recorded in at least 2 categories and require ventilation/CPAP
AND
- the impairments are sustained and ongoing or expected to last for more than 6 months.
Data is now being collected using the Clinical Audit System (CAS) here For Patients and Families or here for Professionals.