Research, Advocacy and Policy for Health Care Transition

Health care transition was defined 15 years ago as the purposeful planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic physical and medical conditions from child-centered to adult-oriented health care systems. Despite growing recognition that health care transition is a critical aspect of successful entry to adulthood, the data demonstrate policy and practice do not reflect our level of understanding about the importance of transition. Results from the 2005/2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs suggest there has been little investment in service systems that meet the needs of these emerging adults: only 41% of youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) receive the services they need for transition to adult health care, work, and independence. Advocates in Florida initiated a call to action during the 2008 legislative session that resulted in a bill establishing a statewide Task Force to assess the need for health care transition services, develop strategies to ensure successful transition from pediatric to adult health care, and identify existing and potential funding sources. We present here an overview of the development process and outcomes for the Florida Strategic Plan for Health Care Transition. From virtual planning sessions that engaged a diverse group of stakeholders and subject experts to the legislative report that outlined 16 strategies to ensure successful transition from pediatric to adult health care in Florida, this initiative demonstrates the successful intersection of research, advocacy & policy, and provides a model that can be replicated in other communities and states (see www.healthcaretransition.org).