Towards Independence: The New South Wales (Australia) Experience of Transition to Adulthood of Young People with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Within this article, key issues associated with the effective transition of young people with an acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) from paediatric to adult health services within the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, are explored. This is an overview of current practice, available literature, and challenges faced by the NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service in implementing a successful transition model. A holistic and developmental approach to transition is proposed where transition planning starts from the point of injury. A series of tools to facilitate the education, health management, and goal setting of young people is presented. © 2010 Thomas Land Publishers, Inc.