Affiliations: Department of Nephrology, University of North Carolina
School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA | University of North Carolina School of Medicine,
Chapel Hill, NC, USA | Department of Pediatrics, University of California San
Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA | Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of
North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA | Department of Psychiatry and The Carolina Institute
for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of
Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Maria Ferris, Division of Pediatric
Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of North Carolina
School of Medicine, CB# 7155, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155, USA. Tel.: +1 919
445 2678, Ext 237; E-mail: maria_ferris@med.unc.edu
Abstract: Research in the health care transition (HCT) field has increasingly
expanded in the last few decades. However, structured and more intensive
examination of this field is needed to provide the best health care practices
for youth with chronic health conditions. This commentary includes the views of
a young adult with a chronic condition who has graduated to adult-focused
services, his parent, and a group of interdisciplinary health providers. We
examined the current evidence in the field and suggest prioritizing future
directions for research and practice. The key factors in HCT are discussed,
along with the current initiatives that are guiding policy, and propose
suggestions for how to integrate the current research into practice.
Keywords: Health care transition, chronic health conditions, research, future directions
