DNP Project Proposal: Toolkit for Transition of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (YA-ASD) to Primary Care

Authors

Dawn Boal, Sacred Heart UniversityFollow

Document Type

DNP Project

Publication Date

4-10-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Faculty Advisor

Dr. M, DNSc, APRN, FNP-BC, EBP-C

Abstract

Significance and Background: Young adults (YA) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) transitioning from pediatric to adult care may have more difficulty finding a primary care clinician trained to address their unique medical and mental health needs. Transition resources need to be developed to help these patients and their caregivers while they are still being cared for by their pediatrician.

Purpose: To develop an ASD resource toolkit with resources designed to help YA-ASD and their caregivers with the transition from pediatric care to adult primary care.

Methods: The Model for Healthcare Improvement guided this evidence-based quality improvement project. An evidence review informed the resources that were included in the toolkit. Training on the toolkit and the process for accessing it was delivered by video to all clinicians and nurses in the pediatric practice within a large children’s health system. Access to the toolkit was offered to applicable caregivers of YA-ASD during well-child visits.

Results: During the 18-week project, only three caregivers had YA-ASD transitioning. Only one initial survey was accessed but none were filled out. No ASD resource toolkits were distributed.

Conclusion: The next steps must focus on finding the caregivers of YA-ASD transitioning to adult primary care and effective strategies for getting the ASD resource toolkit to caregivers of YA-ASD.

Comments

A DNP project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Boal, D. (2024). DNP project proposal: Toolkit for transition of young dults with austism spectrum disorder (YA-ASD) to primary care. [Unpublished DNP project]. Sacred Heart University.