Adult health care differs significantly from paediatric care in the type and level of support, decision-making, consent processes and family involvement. Adult care is patient focused and investigational, requiring autonomous, independent consumer skills without many interdisciplinary resources. Paediatric care is family focused, relies on developmentally appropriate care with significant parental involvement in decision-making and prescribes care within a multidisciplinary team. These differences may be partially explained by significant differences between the mandate and functioning of paediatric and adult services. Two different cultures – paediatric- versus adult-oriented health careĪdult health care providers have identified a number of concerns about patients who have transferred from paediatric health care, specifically the lack of adherence to proposed treatment plans, deficiencies in knowledge about the condition and limited self-care skills. Of those living at home, 89% are classified as mildly disabled, 8% are moderately disabled and 3% are severely disabled.

In BC, most youth with chronic health conditions live at home only 2% are institutionalized. In British Columbia (BC), 9% of youth 10 to 14 years of age and 11% of youth 15 to 24 years of age have some disability due to a physical or mental health condition. Children and adolescents with special health care needsĪs many as 15% of youth in North America have a chronic condition that impacts their health and causes some limitations in their lives. The present statement provides the background, framework and tools for paediatricians, family physicians, other health care professionals, parents and youth to ensure a successful transfer of care and transition to adult life. The Canadian Paediatric Society supports the provision of developmentally appropriate care for youth with special health care needs as they move into the adult-oriented health care system. Adolescents, their families and health care providers must work together to develop transition care that is effective in fostering health-promoting behaviours and in enhancing the long-term quality of the young adult’s life. The transition is simpler for adolescents whose care is relatively uncomplicated, but even healthy teens may benefit from some transition preparation. Developmentally appropriate care for adolescent patients with special health care needs should be integrated into paediatric and subspecialty practice structures. An increasing awareness of the need for transition services for youth with chronic health conditions has resulted from advances in medical technology and treatments that have increased the lifespan and quality of life of these youth. The transition from childhood to adulthood is a life-phase that includes moving into the adult health care system. M Kaufman, J Pinzon Canadian Paediatric Society, Adolescent Health Committee

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