This toolkit is designed to support healthcare and community care providers, families, caregivers, and the adolescents themselves with the transition of care, support and transition services from pediatric to adult care. A trainer’s manual for health care providers is also included.
Increasing numbers of perinatally infected children are surviving to adolescence and adulthood. This group is emerging as a unique population and a unique challenge for policy makers, programmers and service providers, thus requiring attention and a stronger understanding of their unique needs to support their continued health and development.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
Each module contains a title page with a directory of tools available within the module. After the title page there is a summary page to provide guidance and information for the HCP/CCP. Following the summary page are tools available for three audiences which are numbered accordingly:
- The HCP/CCP may use any of the tools to enhance their own practice. Health facilities and communitybased organizations (CBOs) should keep in mind that modules outlining services they do not currently offer is a reminder
- that bidirectional referrals are an important component of care.
- The family/caregiver should receive tools and information from the HCP and CCP as a means to better
- understand how to support the adolescent during the transition process. Caregivers may be neighbors, friends, partners, or
- spouses, and should be known by the provider as the primary point of contact for the adolescent.
- The adolescent should receive tools and information from the HCP and CCP to assist with navigating the transition process. Several of the tools intended for the adolescent require a participatory approach; in these cases, the HCP or CCP should review these tools with the adolescent and utilize them as a means to provide and reinforce health education opportunities.