Survey of US pediatric nurses’ role in health care transition planning: Focus on assessment of self-management abilities of youth and young adults with long-term conditions

Abstract

The survival rates of youth and young adults (YYAs) diagnosed with long-term conditions have improved considerably as 90% now enter adulthood; health care transition planning (HCTP) has emerged as a nursing practice priority. The aim of this national online survey was to investigate the extent to which nurses, recruited from two major United States pediatric nursing organizations are involved with HCTP including assessing YYA self-management abilities (SMA). Findings of a 9-item assessment of self-management abilities subscale of the nurses’ role in HTCP tool are reported. The nurse respondents ( n = 1269), identified the most frequently assessed SMA was the YYAs’ ability to understand and speak about their condition and its treatment ( M = 2.3, SD = .89). The least frequently assessed was the YYAs’ ability to identify community advocates to help them become more independent ( M =1.5, SD = .90). Regression analysis identified significant predictors of the frequency nurses assess YYA for SMA included nurses’ level of knowledge, perceived level of importance, HCTP and skills identified in job description, and caring for YYA. Findings indicate HCTP care advancements will necessitate HCTP training and development of nurse-led service efforts to facilitate optimal outcomes for YYA.