This comprehensive book thoroughly addresses all aspects of health care transition of adolescents and young adults with chronic illness or disability; and includes the framework, tools and case-based examples needed to develop and evaluate a Health Care Transition (HCT) planning program that can be implemented regardless of a patient’s disease or disability. Health Care Transition: Building a Program for Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Illness and Disability is a uniquely inclusive resource, incorporating youth/young adult, caregiver, and pediatric and adult provider voices and perspectives.

Part I

Defines Health Care Transition, describes the urgent need for comprehensive transition planning, barriers to HCT, and then offers a framework for developing and evaluating health care transition programs.

Part II

Focuses on the anatomic and neuro-chemical changes that occur in the brain during adolescence and young adulthood, and how they affect function and behavior.

Part III

Covers the perspectives of important participants in the HCT transition process – youth and young adults, caregivers, and both pediatric and adult providers.

Part IV

Each chapter addresses a unique aspect of developing HCT programs.

Part V

Explores various examples of successful transition from the perspective of five key participants in the transition process - patients, caregivers, pediatric providers, adult providers, and third party payers.

Part VI

Related financial matters are covered.

Part VII

Explores special issues such as HCT and the medical home, international perspectives, and potential legal issues.

Part VIII

Models of HCT programs are presented, utilizing an example case study.

Representing perspectives from over 75 authors and more than 100 medical centers in North America and Europe, Health Care Transition: Building a Program for Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Illness and Disability is an ideal resource for any clinician, policy maker, caregiver, or hospitalist working with youth in transition.