Needs Statement

Despite growing recognition of the importance of healthcare transition (HCT), there remains a critical gap in the knowledge, systems, and practices needed to support pediatric patients—especially those with chronic or complex medical conditions—as they move into adult care. These gaps contribute to fragmented care and poor health outcomes. Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) seeks to empower services to address these challenges by promoting best practices in Transition Care through staff training, resource development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, ultimately aiming to improve service delivery and enhance the patient transition experience.

At the policy level, urgent improvements are needed in HCT services provided by state agencies, Medicaid offices, and health departments. Many young adults remain uninsured despite coverage extensions, and recent policy changes such as budget cuts and work requirements have further restricted access to Medicaid for vulnerable populations. These systemic issues lead to missed care and worsening health outcomes, underscoring the need for a CME course that equips healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to advocate for and implement effective transition care strategies.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for administrative leadership, physicians in internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, and psychiatry, as well as psychologists and other healthcare providers including social workers, nurses, dietitians, case managers, counselors, and primary care providers.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the conference, participants should be able to:

• Define the concept of structed healthcare transition and distinguish it from patient transfer. 
• Identify appropriate patient populations and age ranges for initiating transition planning. 
• Explain rationale for structured healthcare transition, including patient safety risks, access challenges, cost implications, and health equity barriers. 
• Analyze real-world data to evaluate common challenges and best practices in implementing transition protocols. 

Educational Methods

Lecture and Case Study

Activity Evaluation

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.

Accreditation/Credit Designation

Physician

Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Baylor College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Social Work

Texas Children's Hospital is an approved continuing education provider for Social Workers through the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. Social work continuing education units provided, 1 hour of continuing education.

Other Healthcare Professionals

Attendance Certificate will be available for all other healthcare professionals

Contact

For questions about the series, please contact Anasia Johnson, [email protected]