Youth Transitions
Read this short article in the BC Medical Journal summarizing the benefits of this Youth Transitions initiative
The Shared Care Youth Transitions initiative aimed to improve the transition from pediatric to adult care for youth and young adults (age 10 to 24) with chronic health conditions and/or disabilities. Youth can access pediatric care services until their eighteenth birthday, when they must transfer, with little preparation, to adult care services provided by regional health authorities. Approximately 1700 patients per year make this transition.
Solutions for smooth transitions
Family physicians, pediatric sub-specialists, adult sub-specialists, patients and their families, and allied health professionals developed the following to improve transitions:
- Standardized medical transfer summaries
- Referral rosters
- Development of a resource network for patients and providers
- Support for reviewing charts
- Longer appointment times
- Educational support for physicians
The Shared Care Youth Transitions initiative is one component of a broader project (ON TRAC) developed at BC Children’s Hospital to improve continuity of care for this vulnerable patient group.Family physicians, pediatric sub-specialists, adult sub-specialists, patients and their families, and allied health professionals developed the following to improve transitions:
- Standardized medical transfer summaries
- Referral rosters
- Development of a resource network for patients and providers
- Support for reviewing charts
- Longer appointment times
- Educational support for physicians
The Shared Care Youth Transitions initiative is one component of a broader project (ON TRAC) developed at BC Children's Hospital to improve continuity of care for this vulnerable patient group.
Contact
Margaret English, Initiative Lead
Email: shared_care@doctorsofbc.ca