1. Transitional Healthcare Medical Home Model for Older Adolescents
with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kathleen Rogers, MSN, RN, CNE, MaryBeth Zeni, ScD, RN
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH
Background
Algorithm
American Academy of Pediatrics
Healthcare Transition Algorithm
Healthy People 2020, nursing, and medical organizations support the need for a medical home.
Definition: accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated and compassionate (AAP, 1992)
Aim: to ensure adolescents receive seamless transfer of healthcare to primary care into adulthood.
Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require transitional care
Rationale: have special needs and are vulnerable to health care disparities
Reprinted with permission Madison House Autism Foundation
Literature review and results
The literature search identified 4 articles
The literature review did not identify evidence-based healthcare transition models for adolescents and young adults living with ASD.
One article identified a transitional healthcare practice algorithm. The model has not been evaluated for effectiveness in transition.
Educators and parents should be aware of a gap in healthcare services for this vulnerable population.
Healthcare transition to adult medical home is an evolving concept and crucial to the coordination of care.
Healthcare providers identify lack of knowledge and training in transitions of care and medical home concepts to meet the healthcare needs of adults living with ASD.
Objectives
The participant will recognize the absence of an evidence-based healthcare transition medical home model for adolescents and young adults living with ASD.
The participant will understand that a healthcare transition medical home model is necessary due to the high risk of healthcare disparities for this vulnerable population.
The participant will conclude that education of healthcare providers is a crucial component in the development of adult primary healthcare medical home.
Reproduced with permission from Pediatrics Vol. 128, Pages , Copyright 2011 by the AAP
Implications for Practice
Healthcare transition to adult medical home:
Coordination of care is key to the reduction of healthcare disparities.
A valid and reliable transitional care model that focuses on youth with ASD is vital to health and wellness promotion and continuity of quality care.
Advance practice pediatric and adult nurses are in prime positions to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of models with children, adolescents and young adults who are diagnosed with ASD.
Education for advanced practice nurses and other health care providers
Ursuline College
Cleveland, Ohio