Evidence Supporting the Effectiveness of Transition Programs for Youth With Special Health Care Needs

More than 90% of adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions will survive into adulthood. Transitioning from pediatric to adult health care services for these individuals has often times been associated with deterioration of their health and Quality of Life. Separation from their pediatric provider and lack of preparedness of the adult health care system has been identified as major barriers in preventing the successful transition of these individuals. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available data related to transitioning adolescents and young adults (AYA) with special health care needs into the adult health care system.