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Implementation of an inter‐agency transition model for youth with spina bifida
Author(s) -
Lindsay S.,
Cruickshank H.,
McPherson A. C.,
Maxwell J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
child: care, health and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.832
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2214
pISSN - 0305-1862
DOI - 10.1111/cch.12303
Subject(s) - spina bifida , agency (philosophy) , specialty , clarity , transitional care , phone , nursing , adult care , medicine , health care , psychology , family medicine , gerontology , political science , young adult , sociology , pediatrics , social science , biochemistry , chemistry , linguistics , philosophy , law
Background To address gaps in transfer of care and transition support, a paediatric hospital and adult community health care centre partnered to implement an inter‐agency transition model for youth with spina bifida. Our objective was to understand the enablers and challenges experienced in the implementation of the model. Methods Using a descriptive, qualitative design, we conducted semi‐structured interviews, in‐person or over the phone, with 12 clinicians and nine key informants involved in implementing the spina bifida transition model. We recruited all 21 participants from an urban area of Ontario, Canada. Results Clinicians and key informants experienced several enablers and challenges in implementing the spina bifida transition model. Enablers included dedicated leadership, advocacy, funding, inter‐agency partnerships, cross‐appointed staff and gaps in co‐ordinated care to connect youth to adult services. Challenges included gaps in the availability of adult specialty services, limited geographical catchment of adult services, limited engagement of front‐line staff, gaps in communication and role clarity. Conclusions Although the transition model has realized some initial successes, there are still many challenges to overcome in transferring youth with spina bifida to adult health care and transitioning to adulthood.