Transitioning Pediatric Patients with Special Needs

Author

Dimi ReschFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2019

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Valerie Griffin DNP, PPCNP-BC, FNP-BC, RN

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr Cindy Schmidt PhD, RN

Keywords

transition, pediatrics, special needs, complex needs, adult care, pediatric care

Abstract

Transitional care, which encompasses both the sending and receiving aspects, is essential for pediatric patients with complex care needs.A provider in a small, Midwest pediatric primary care clinic agrees with researchers that transitional guidelines are needed for consistency among pediatric and adult providers. This clinic currently has no process in place to guide the transition of patients with special needs. The primary goal of this project was to develop a communication tool that aids in the transition of patients with special needs into the adult primary care setting. The literature reviewed provided a variety of tools used to communicate healthcare information to providers. Barriers, gaps, and recommendations identified in transition of pediatric patients into the adult care setting were also reviewed. Pediatric and adult providers, parents of a pediatric patient with complex needs, a social worker, and a special needs teacher in a clinic setting were consulted in development of the tool.The tool was designed to provide important health information and goals of the patient and family in order to facilitate deliberate transition of care. Expert feedback from pediatric and adult providers and a S.W.O.T Analysis were utilized to help identify implementation challenges. Implementation of the communication tool will likely provide a smoother transition for the patient, family, and providers.

Recommended Citation

Resch, Dimi, "Transitioning Pediatric Patients with Special Needs" (2019). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 65.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/65

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