Transition of care: what is the pediatric hospitalist's role? An exploratory survey of current attitudes.

OBJECTIVE: Survey of current attitudes of pediatric hospitalists related to transition of care. METHODS: We developed and piloted a survey that was validated by an expert on transition. It was introduced it to the AAP/Pediatric Hospital Medicine Listserv using Survey Monkey TM. Any participant who agreed to the informed consent was included in the survey. RESULTS: Patients aged 16-17 with chronic medical conditions were taken care of by pediatric hospitalists 70% of the time. Patients aged 18-20 were cared for by pediatric hospitalists 36.8% of the time. Advantages of hospitalist participation in healthcare transition include improved continuity of care and quality of care. The biggest impediments might be lack of time and resources. Most surveyed would be interested in a web based educational module to develop their understanding of healthcare transition. CONCLUSION: The survey provides a snapshot of current attitudes of pediatric hospitalist involvement in transition of care. Pediatric hospitalists are interested in participating in healthcare transition. Although more research is needed to compare current models of transition services and a hospitalist model, the perception for inpatients is that better quality of care can be expected. Targeted educational modules might provide a foundation for pediatric hospitalists to build their scope of practice to include transition services. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;7:277-281. (C) 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine