Transition of Care from Pediatrics to Adult Health Care

Author

Heather MahsmanFollow
Holly J. Henderson, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2019

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Albertina Perez

Project Team Faculty Member

Bernadette Sobczak

Keywords

transition planning, transition of care, transition to adult health, transfer of care, pediatric to adult healthcare

Abstract

Transition planning is essential for continuity of healthcare for adolescents approaching adulthood. Transition of care should start in early adolescence to help pediatric patients find and establish an adult healthcare provider. The purpose of this project was to assess and increase awareness of transition planning and assess the feasibility of instituting a transition program in a rural health pediatric clinic. Staff and providers were educated about transition of care planning and current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pre and post surveys were collected. Staff reported the program as beneficial to their patients and would like to see further steps towards successful transition planning. However, they noted that both providers and upper management involvement would be necessary, and that patient and family reluctance, along with staff time requirements could be barriers to implementation of the program. Despite an increasing understanding of the benefits of a transition of care program, follow-up evaluation four months post-implementation of the project revealed that various factors such as time, lack of a staff champion, and administrative support hindered implementation of the program. Further efforts are needed to address these barriers so that transition of care programs can be successful.

Recommended Citation

Mahsman, Heather and Henderson, Holly J., "Transition of Care from Pediatrics to Adult Health Care" (2019). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 70.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/70

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