Continue the Conversation: A Complex Care Pediatrician's Perspective on Improving Healthcare Transitions for Pediatric Neurology Patients

Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2020 Dec:36:100854. doi: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100854. Epub 2020 Oct 26.

Abstract

Inadequate preparation for transition to adult-oriented systems of care leads to gaps in treatment and can result in poor health outcomes for youth with special healthcare needs. Coordination between primary care and specialists must occur at multiple levels of organizations to improve transition for youth with neurological disorders. This review focuses on the transition process from the pediatrician's perspective, highlights common obstacles, addresses the unique needs of youth with intellectual disabilities, reviews relevant guidelines, and discusses emerging transition strategies. Key recommendations include defining the roles of the different healthcare providers and using multidisciplinary collaboration to overcome limited resources.

Publication types

  • Personal Narrative
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Guidelines as Topic*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / therapy*
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Pediatricians*
  • Transition to Adult Care*
  • Young Adult