Improved Health Care Transition for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities Referred from Designated Transition Clinics

Abstract

Purpose: Young adults with developmental disabilities (YADD) are a vulnerable population during HCT due to their complex care coordination and adaptive needs, yet factors associated with transition preparedness are not well defined. Determine factors associated with health care transition (HCT) preparation satisfaction for YADD establishing care with an adult medical home.

Methods: 408 YADD or their families completed the Health Care Transition Feedback Survey 2.0 upon establishing adult care. Linear regression models were used to determine associations between survey questions and the independent variables. 

Results: YADD who had HCT preparation visits with an adult clinic physician prior to transfer reported significantly better scores regarding discussing transition preparation timing (adj. OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.38, 12.37), legal changes (adj. OR 10.10, 95% CI 2.98,34.22), self-management (adj. OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.44,5.16), and feeling prepared to transition (adj. OR 4.43,95% CI 2.19, 8.96). Those with increased technology dependence experienced increased transition preparation per each additional technology support in discussing transition timing (adj. OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.00,1.73), legal changes (adj. OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.10,1.71), self-management (adj. OR 1.31,95% CI 1.08, 1.58), and feeling prepared to transition (adj. OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04,1.66).

Conclusions: YADD who had increased technology supports and who met with an adult transition clinician prior to transfer experienced higher transition preparation satisfaction.

Note:
Funding Information: There are no funding sources to report for this article.

Declaration of Interests: None for any author.

Ethics Approval Statement: Approval from the Baylor College of Medicine Institutional Review Board.

Keywords: health care transition, primary care, intellectual disability, developmental disability, medical home care