Neurosurgery Transition Assessment Program
Adolescents look forward to beginning their lives in the adult world. Choices about where to work or attend college, maintaining relationships and establishing priorities can be thrilling. This path, or transition, from childhood to adulthood can also be frustrating and scary -- especially for children with extensive, complex health problems.
The Pediatric Neurosurgery Division at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has the only pediatric neurosurgery program in the country with a focus on transitional care for teens with complex neurosurgical issues. These young adults have special needs and face many hurdles when they transition into the adult health care system. Many neurologists have little experience with the issues that surround congenital impairments, making it difficult for teens to find doctors to take over their care.
Transition of health care from childhood to adulthood should be an anticipated, desirable and natural developmental event. As health care professionals we partner with the family to assist in their process.
The specialized care we offer allows the patient, family and physicians to work together so everyone is prepared for the transition. We help identify appropriate adult care providers, obtain health records, coordinate care and assist resolving outstanding problems. To ensure there aren't any unresolved medical concerns -- and to make sure the patient and family are well informed -- the patient's medical and surgical needs will be evaluated and addressed so a plan of care is in place before the patient leaves Cincinnati Children's.
Who Benefits from the Neurosurgery Transition Assessment Program
The Pediatric Neurosurgery Division staff at Cincinnati Children's helps young adults with the following childhood conditions transition into the adult health care system:
Additional Resources
Additional resources on transition can be found in the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs Resource Directory.
