Systematic review of medical home models to promote transitions to primary adult health care for adolescents living with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background: There is a growing number of children diagnosed and living with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the United States. This increasing incidence and prevalence of ASDs require care coordination within a medical home model, which needs to continue into adulthood.

Aim: This paper is an evidence review of medical home models for transitioning adolescents living with ASDs from pediatric primary healthcare practices to adult primary care practices.

Method: Databases were reviewed and articles selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Nine articles were reviewed and four met criteria. None of the articles addressed medical home models to transition adolescents living with ASDs into adult primary healthcare services.

Linking evidence to action: There is a need for nursing to work within an interdisciplinary framework to educate adult healthcare providers on the needs of adolescents living with ASDs and to evaluate medical home transition models for this vulnerable population.

Keywords: adolescents; autism spectrum disorders; evidence review; medical home; systematic review; transition.