Pediatric Nurse Practitioners' Perspectives on Health Care Transition From Pediatric to Adult Care

Abstract

IntroductionThis study examined the perspectives of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) regarding the needs of adolescents, parents/caregivers, clinicians, and institutions in the health care transition (HCT) process for adolescents/young adults. MethodsPNPs (N = 170) participated in a luncheon for those interested in transition at an annual conference. Small groups discussed and recorded their perspectives related to health care transition from adolescent to adult services. Content analysis was used to analyze responses (Krippendorff, 2013). ResultsFour themes, Education, Health care system, Support, and Communication, emerged from the data analysis. PNPs identified health care informatics and adolescents' use of technology as additional critical aspects to be considered in health care transition. DiscussionOpportunities and challenges identified by the PNPs are discussed to improve the quality and process of transitioning adolescents to adult services. This report will help National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners formulate a new Health Care Transition Policy Statement for the organization.