Health care transitions (HCTs) from pediatric to adult health care remain a challenge for children and youth with special health care needs, their families, and their clinicians. While literature on this topic has expanded, gaps remain in how to improve health outcomes during transitions. This article describes the current state of transition research and recommendations for future investigation. The authors highlight three primary areas of investigation:
- Understanding the optimal development and implementation of HCT service models in partnership with youth and families to improve transition readiness and transfer
- Defining the process and outcome measures that capture adequacy of transition-related activities
- Evaluating fiscal policies that incentivize the processes of transition readiness development, transfer to adult health care services, and continuity of care within an adult health care setting
This article is part of a supplement to Academic Pediatrics that outlines a national health systems research agenda for CYSHCN. Learn more about the supplement and access all the articles.
Related Webinar: The lead authors and experts in the field review the article’s key content and discuss implications of the recommendations.
