The Forgotten Few: Pediatric-to-Adult Healthcare Transitions.

Healthcare transition is the period when an adolescent or young adult transitions from pediatric, family-centered care to an adult-oriented health care system. Effective transition processes are essential for all youth to promote continuity of care, health literacy, and long-term engagement with the healthcare system. Inadequate transition planning in clinical care can result in poor health outcomes and a young adult's disengagement from medical care. This article reviews the current evidence on healthcare transitions from pediatric to adult care, summarizes the core principles of effective transition, and identifies common barriers faced by those caring for adolescent and young adult populations.