Pediatricians Transitioning Practices, Youth With Special Health Care Needs in New York State.
OBJECTIVE
To assess current practices of New York State pediatricians as they transition youth with special health care needs to adult-oriented medical care.


METHODS
A survey of New York State pediatricians included 6 critical steps from 2002 consensus statement, 11 essential steps adapted from recent literature, and questions targeting age of starting transition and availability of transition policy.


RESULTS
Of 181 respondents, only 11% have a transition policy. Most assist patients in transition process; identify an adult provider (92%); and create portable medical summary (57%). Only 3% start planning process at recommended age. No respondents are compliant with all 6 critical steps; subspecialists were more likely to report compliance to more than 4 steps.


CONCLUSIONS
Participating pediatricians are making gains, yet effort is needed, to incorporate the essential steps into practice for transitioning youth with special health care needs. Recognition of barriers, use of electronic tools, and clarifying subspecialist's approach, may improve compliance with transition recommendations.
Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA ldavidso@montefiore.org.
Lynn F
LF
Davidson
Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA.
Rosy
R
Chhabra
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA.
Hillel W
HW
Cohen
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA.
Claudia
C
Lechuga
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA.
Patricia
P
Diaz
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
Andrew
A
Racine
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D010820:Physicians; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D060305:Transition to Adult Care
physician’s practice patterns; primary health care; special health care needs; transition to adulthood; youth