Preparing for adulthood: Health care transition counseling for youth with arthritis

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Preparing for adulthood: Health care transition counseling for youth with

arthritis

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121590012/abstract?CRETRY=1 & SRETRY=0

Scal *, Horvath, Ann Garwick University of Minnesota,

Minneapolis

email: Scal (scal0005@...)

*Correspondence to Scal, General Pediatrics, University of Minnesota,

717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Abstract

Objective

To determine the proportion of adolescents with arthritis who receive health

care transition services and to compare the rates with those reported for

adolescents with other special health care needs and adolescents with

diabetes.

Methods

We used data from the 2005-2006 National Survey of Children with Special

Health Care Needs. A parent/guardian identified youth ages 12-17 years with

arthritis (n = 1,052), diabetes (n = 389), and special health care needs (n

= 18,189).

Four questions examined the extent to which providers discussed health care

transition issues, including 1) transfer of care to adult providers, 2)

health care needs of adults, 3) acquiring health insurance, and 4)

encouraging self-care responsibility. Bivariate comparisons assessed the

associations between sociodemographic characteristics and health care

transition services, and multivariate regression models compared outcomes

between conditions.

Results

Many adolescents with arthritis are being encouraged to assume self-care

responsibilities (74.8%); fewer discussed how health needs will change in

adulthood (52.1%), acquiring insurance (22.5%), or transferring care to a

provider who sees adults (19.0%). These results are similar to youth with

other special health care needs, but behind youth with diabetes.

Conclusion

Among this sample of US adolescents, many report discussions about health

care needs and self-management, but few are addressing critical aspects of

the transition to adult-oriented health care.

Funded by:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Grant Number: K08-HS015511

Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act)

Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and

Human Services, through The Center for Children with Special Health Care

Needs (Leadership in Nursing); Grant Number: T80-MC00010