ERIC Number: EJ867788
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Nov
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0194-2638
EISSN: N/A
Transition to Adult-Oriented Health Care: Perspectives of Youth and Adults with Complex Physical Disabilities
Young, Nancy L.; Barden, Wendy S.; Mills, Wendy A.; Burke, Tricia A.; Law, Mary; Boydell, Katherine
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, v29 n4 p345-361 Nov 2009
Introduction: The transition to adulthood is extremely difficult for individuals with disabilities. We sought to explore the specific issue of transition to adult-oriented health care in a Canadian context. Methods: We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 15 youth and 15 adults with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and acquired brain injuries of childhood, and their parents (n = 30). Respondents discussed their health care services, their experience with clinical transition, and contributing factors. We analyzed the transcripts using qualitative methods. Results: All participants identified challenges in transition, including: lack of access to health care; lack of professionals' knowledge; lack of information and uncertainty regarding the transition process. Two solutions were identified: "early provision of detailed information" and "more extensive support" throughout the clinical transition process. Discussion: The challenges of clinical transition were universal. More extensive information and support is needed during transition to ensure an efficient move to appropriate adult-oriented health care. (Contains 2 tables and 3 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Physical Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Congenital Impairments, Access to Health Care, Methods, Health Services, Youth, Adults, Foreign Countries, Interviews, Head Injuries, Focus Groups, Vignettes, Severity (of Disability)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A