Transitioning from pediatric to adult health care: the experience of patients and families.

Due to advances in medicine, many young adults with complex chronic conditions are now able.to reach the age when they must transition from pediatric to adult care. But preparation for these transitions is often inadequate--for patients and their families, as well as for adult providers. As a result, many needs (clinical, psychosocial, and educational) may not be met, and patients and their families may feel uncertain about the quality of care. This article is the first in a series addressing this critical issue by providing insights from patients and families who have experienced transitions, as well as information about programs and available resources. In this article two parents and one young adult patient share their stories of transitioning, identify the numerous challenges they faced, and suggest strategies to improve the health care system for other patients and families.