Program for Technology-Dependent Children
The NYS Physically Handicapped Children's Program recognizes our Center as a designated Infant Apnea Center.
Children who are considered technology-dependent have chronic respiratory insufficiency or failure and require specialized medical equipment to support their lives. The most common conditions to require this care include:
- Neuromuscular disease
- Conditions resulting from extreme premature birth, including apnea
- Congenital abnormalities of the lungs or airways
- Complications from serious illness, injury, or surgery
Examples of the types of equipment required by technology-dependent children, can include, but is not limited to:
- Mechanical ventilators
- BiPAP
- Oxygen supplementation
- Tracheostomy tubes
- Cardio respiratory (apnea) monitors
- Oximeters
Caring for Technology-Dependent Children
Our physicians usually become involved in the care of these children during a prolonged hospitalization—either in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or following a serious injury or illness. Our physicians work closely with each child's primary inpatient care team and primary health care provider to make decisions regarding treatment and long-term care at home options. Once home, a child's care team is a collaboration of the family, community physicians (including the child's primary doctor), other specialists, home care nurses as well as the home medical equipment company. Children are followed through the outpatient clinic and via telephone as appropriate. Care plans are designed individually, recognizing that each child and each family is unique.
The Apnea Center
Our Apnea Center is a New York State regional program that provides consultation and follow-up to infants who require apnea monitoring at home. Diagnostic testing, coordination of services, and clinical follow-up are provided for infants who are using home cardiorespiratory monitors.
Pediatric Tracheostomy & Home Ventilator Program
We establish continuity of care from inpatient to outpatient. We want to make sure that you feel confident providing safe care for your child's tracheostomy at home.
National Presentations
- What influences pediatric patients with tracheostomies to go to the emergency department? A Family Co-led Quality Improvement Project. October 2022, QUAD Aerodigestive Conference
- Increasing Pediatric Tracheostomy GoBag Compliance Improves Emergency Preparedness and Response by Caregivers. June 2021, ACS Quality and Safety Conference
- A mixed-methods study: What are the educational needs and challenges experienced by caregivers of pediatric patients with tracheostomies? April 2022, PAS Conference
Community Education for Pediatric Tracheostomy
- Mary Cariola
- Webster Central Schools
- Greece Central Schools
- Monroe- Livingston Regional EMS
- Finger Lakes Regional EMS
- Mercy Flight Central
- Monroe Ambulance
- Compassion Net
Trach Buddy Program
Part of Patient Family Connection, Parents or guardians who have been through a health challenge with a child and are a few years out from the start of that challenge become Buddy Mentors who are matched up with a parent/guardian just beginning their journey.
Long Term Integrated Care (LINC) team partnership
The LINC Team’s mission is to facilitate transition of critically ill children into their home and community.
NICU Simulation Program
We partner with the NICU Simulation Program team to provide tracheostomy training and education to staff and caregivers.