Date of Publication
2021
Project Team
Laura Foran Lewis, PhD, RN & Lauren Young, MS, APRN, FNP-BC
Abstract
Background: For adolescents and young adults (AYAs), health care transition (HCT) is the purposeful and planned process of moving from pediatric, adult-supervised care to adult-oriented care. The use of evidence-based guidelines and interventions can ensure AYAs receive the services necessary to transition successfully.
Purpose: This project aimed to improve a pediatric office’s ability to educate AYAs and parents/caregivers on the practice’s approach to HCT and HCT planning (HCTP) by using Got Transition’s Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition™ 3.0 model to guide the development and dissemination of a Transition and Care Policy/Guide (TCP/G). The adoption of a TCP/G is the first element of the Six Core Elements model.
Methods: The TCP/G was modeled after Got Transition’s sample tool and further developed with input from AYAs and parents/caregivers. The finalized TCP/G was routinely disseminated during annual wellness visits. Post intervention, the practice's progress towards implementing Got Transition's recommended practice-level supports was measured. A provider questionnaire assessed whether the TCP/G improved providers’ ability to educate on the practice's HCT/HCTP approach.
Results: The TCP/G increased AYAs and parents/caregivers’ knowledge of the practice’s approach and supported providers’ ability to educate and provide anticipatory guidance related to HCT/HCTP. The practice received full points in the area of "Transition and Care Policy Guide" showing successful implementation of the first core element.
Conclusions: The use of TCP/Gs is an evidence-informed intervention that supports HCT/HCTP. Further research is needed to determine AYAs' common concerns or questions related to HCT/HCTP to guide TCP/G revisions and inform subsequent interventions.
Document Type
Project
Recommended Citation
Brisson, Angela M., "Improving Health Care Transition Planning in Pediatric Primary Care" (2021). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 60.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/60
DNP Project Presentation with Content Transcribed