Enhancing success in transition service coordinators: use of transformational leadership.

PURPOSE

The lifespan of children with special healthcare needs has been extended because of improved technology and medical advances. Successful transition to the adult arena of healthcare, social services, and education by adolescents with special healthcare needs (ASHCN) is lacking. The transition service coordinator (TSC) is a multifaceted role of advanced practice nursing that provides highly specialized transition services to adolescents with special healthcare needs. The use of key concepts from the transformational leadership theory may improve healthcare outcomes.

PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTINGS

This article applies to pediatric and adult primary care and case management services that serve adolescents with special healthcare needs.

CONCLUSION

Employing key concepts of transformational leadership theory will enhance the success of the TSC to improve both collaboration among stakeholders in the transitional team and young adults' transition to the world of adult services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE

Enhanced communication resulting in improved sharing of information, understanding of the stakeholder roles, and provision of formal linkages between pediatric and adult medical providers is a significant outcome affecting the ASHCN. Improved collaboration will produce a smooth transition for the ASHCN to the world of adult social services education, and employment. Incorporating the transformational leadership dimensions of idealized influence, inspirational motivation intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration will enhance the ability of the TSC to improve collaboration among stakeholders in the transitional team and the quality of services for the ASHCN.