Children and youth with medical complexity in Canada
October 29, 2020 — Children and youth with medical complexity are a diverse group with a spectrum of conditions, needs, limitations and medical fragility. Most of these children and youth share 4 characteristics: complex chronic conditions, functional limitations, high health care use and a high need for caregiving.
Explore our report to discover how complex health conditions in children and youth (newborn to 24 years) vary across the provinces and territories and how their unique needs translate into substantial use of health care services in Canada.
Note: The following data and findings reflect the most recent information available from the 2018–2019 data cycle before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key findings
- The age-adjusted rate of medical complexity for children and youth in Canada in 2015–2016 was 948 per 100,000 children and youth, with wide variation in rates across provinces and territories.
- The unique needs of children and youth with medical complexity mean they require more primary health care services, hospital care and emergency department care.
- Although there was wide variation in rates of medical complexity, most children and youth with multiple conditions used multiple medications.
Featured material
Children and Youth With Medical Complexity in Canada
Take a closer look at the landscape of children and youth with medical complexity in Canada, along with the differences across provinces and territories.
Data tables
Explore data on child health profiles, including demographics, clinical characteristics, socio-economic status, hospital stays, medical technology assistance, medications and provision of care outside of a patient’s home province or territory.
Methodology notes
Review the methodologies used for all analyses, including health system resource use, medication use, and transfers from pediatric to adult care, palliative care and home care.
Children and youth with medical complexity: Visualizations
Related resources
How to cite:
Canadian Institute for ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Information. Children and youth with medical complexity in Canada. Accessed April 3, 2025.
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