Defining Healthcare Transition

Transition from pediatric to adult-focused health care is a life course change that affects all youth, especially those with chronic illnesses. It represents not only the passage from one developmental stage to another but also from pediatric/family-centered care to adult/patient-centered care which often requires a change to a different healthcare setting. This chapter reviews the American transition landscape for youth with special healthcare needs (YSHCN), including the characteristics and services received by youth/emerging adults leaving pediatric care. It also summarizes transition barriers reported by youth, emerging adults, families, and pediatric and adult clinicians. Systematic and practical transition quality improvement approaches and resources are discussed, including the key role adult providers play in assisting emerging adults learn to manage their health and health care. The chapter concludes with information on measurement and payment options.