Transition Task Force: Early efforts towards comprehensive pediatric to adult transition services in an academic medical center

Abstract

Abstract Background The process of transitioning from a pediatric to adult health models of care is a significant challenge associated with heightened morbidity and mortality, particularly for patients with medical complexity. Methods Our institution has no formal standardized transition services for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult models of care. The Transition Task Force was created as a community of practice to support interprofessional teams in creating a standard, yet individualized, approach to pediatric to adult transition across multiple departments of an academic center. Results The Transition Task Force has been meeting for approximately 4 years, and almost three-quarters of participants report that participation resulted in changes to their clinical process, in spite of recognition of common barriers to effective transition. Conclusions The development of a transition-focused community of practice can effectively support implementation of quality improvement projects collaboratively in both a standardized and individualized fashion.