Transition to Adult Health Care

Talk to your health care provider to learn more about transition to adult health care

If you’re regularly followed at IWK Health, at some point your care will have to transfer to an adult care team or your primary care provider—like your family physician or nurse practitioner. Every transition and transfer is different, but we’re here to help you make the transition smoothly. After all, the last thing we want is for you to worry about how your care will continue as you get older.

You're in Charge Workshops

This peer-led workshop is for youth (ages 13 and up) living with a chronic health condition, along with their caregivers. It's an opportunity to start preparing for the transition from the pediatric to adult healthcare system. Through small-group activities and discussion, you will connect with other patients and family members, build self-management skills and gain confidence in managing your health. With guidance from trained peer facilitators, you'll set a personal health goal and create a plan to practice a new healthcare skill. 

You're in Charge workshops for families and webinars for caregivers are offered throughout the year.  Check out the You're in Charge page for more information and upcoming sessions.  

Information about the Transition to Adult Health Care

The information on this page will help you start the transition conversation early with your health care providers, and help you feel more prepared and confident when you do transfer away from the IWK.

Differences in care (.pdf)
Learn about some general differences between pediatric and adult health care and get tips to help make the transition easier.

Primary Care Vs Specialist Care (.pdf)
A general overview of primary health care (your family physician or nurse practitioner and others who support your overall health care) compared to specialist care (health care providers for a specific condition) and why both are important in maintaining your health.

Transition: The basics for young people (.pdf)
An outline of the key points about how a youth transition to adult health care might go. It also notes some potential challenges that you or your parents or caregivers may face along the way. 

Transition: The basics for parents  (.pdf)
This sheet notes some potential challenges that parents and caregivers may want to discuss with their child’s health care team and notes some of the challenges the child may be facing.

Medication & Health Insurance Coverage
Learn how to read a prescription label and how to manage your health insurance (for example, how to make sure your prescriptions are paid for once you become 18). 

Get Involved

Transition of Care Committee
This Committee brings together patients, family members, community and health care partners, and IWK staff and physicians to guide the IWK’s Transition of Care initiative. 

Transition of Care Community of Practice
The Community of Practice brings together pediatric and adult health care providers, as well as community partners who work with youth, to enhance their practice related to the transition from pediatric to adult health care.  For more information reach out to the Transition Coordinator at IWKTransition@iwk.nshealth.ca. 
 

Check out these videos about Transition!