Special Health Needs: Transitioning to Adult Primary Care

The transition from pediatric to adult primary care can be a difficult and/or delayed process for patients with special health care needs. The following study sought to gather preliminary data regarding the state of transitional services for young adult patients in the state of Maine with special healthcare needs. Data was gathered via email and phone surveys, with the goal of gathering answers to the following questions (1) what proportion of respondents/practices provided primary care to children with special healthcare needs, (2) what proportion utilised a care coordinator/nurse navigator on either a full or part time basis, (3) whether the provider/practice had a formal transition protocol in place for transitioning patients with special needs to adult care, and (4) what kinds of supports would be most useful to providers to developing transition protocols. This information was sought with a view towards broadening understanding of the nature of transitional services, or lack thereof, in Maine, and a better conceptualization of how to best allocate resources intended to support providers in offering transition planning services to their patients with special healthcare needs. Although it is too early in the research process to draw conclusions and develop recommendations, the data gathered will be used to formulate recommendations regarding how best to maximize the care coordination role and support providers in developing formal transition protocols for their practice.

Faculty Mentor: Alan Kurtz