Transition From Pediatric to Adult Medical Care

Transitioning youth with chronic medical conditions (also known as Youth with Special Health Care Needs--YSHCN) to adult services is a complex issue in clinical practice. It is estimated that about 10.2 million children and youth, ages 0–17 years, in the United States alone have special health care needs and while this group constitutes only about 14% of the childhood population, they account for 40% or more of medical expenditures for children. As reflected in this book there are a growing number of programs and projects from around the world that are developing and implementing innovative approaches to promoting successful health care transitions. The authors hope that the information and discussions provided will stimulate your interest and encourage you to take action to improve health care transition related services and supports for adolescents and young adults with special health care needs.