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What is the Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative (HCT LC)?

Healthcare transition (HCT) requires moving from a pediatric, family-focused model of care to an adult, patient-focused model of care. In Minnesota and across the country, less than 30% of youth with special health needs (YSHN) received help preparing for this transition. Research indicates that without HCT preparation, YSNH can experience a loss of services and subsequent decline in health.  

Gillette Children’s, in collaboration with the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health and Got Transition® and with funding from the Minnesota Department of Health, is championing work to increase HCT preparation for YSHN. In 2023 we launched the Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative. Over the past 18 months we brought together a multidisciplinary group of persons to learn about aspects of healthcare transition and work through real-time transition cases together with a focus on sharing resources and ideas across disciplines utilizing health equity and trauma-informed principles. Details about this work are available in the Health Care Transition Resources tab. 

 

What is the goal of the Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative?

Building Sustainable Models of Pediatric to Adult Healthcare Transition in Minnesota

The past 18 months showed that that clinicians want to learn how to support their patients and families with a safe health care transition period. However, this work generally occurs within individual practices. Coupled with organizational system-level challenges such as a lack of adult providers for transitioning CYSHN and a lack of reimbursement for this time-intensive population, sustainability of health care transition initiatives is limited.    

Over the next 3.5 years, the HCT LC will shift in focus from the clinician/practice level to the organization/system level. The first step in reaching this goal is a strategic partnership analysis of Minnesota advocacy, health plan, health system and professional organizations to identify opportunities for HCT education, quality improvement, and systems change. Findings from this analysis will inform a series of annual Project ECHO Learning Sessions and an annual Health Care Transition Summit. 

 

How do I participate in the Learning Collaborative?

In 2025, the HCT LC will leverage the innovative Project ECHO learning model, an “all teach, all learn” approach that brings together young adults, parents, clinicians, payers, advocacy groups, and anyone interested in healthcare transitions throughout Minnesota. The learning series will offer participants valuable insights into enhancing their clinics, hospitals, programs, and overall state practices related to pediatric to adult healthcare transition.  

Please check back here in early 2025 for news and announcements on the next Project ECHO dates, topics, and 3rd annual HCT Summit! All activities are accredited for CME credit. 

Please email us to receive notifications of future news and announcements for the HCT LC!  

 

What is Project ECHO?

Project ECHO is a guided-practice model that reduces health disparities in under-served and remote areas of the state, nation, and world. Through innovative telementoring, the ECHO model uses a hub-and-spoke knowledge-sharing approach. Expert teams lead virtual clinics, amplifying the capacity for providers to deliver best-in-practice care to the underserved in their own communities.  

project ECHO Infographic

 

Questions?

 If you have any questions regarding this free continuing education activity, please contact us at meganmlutz@gillettechildrens.com

 

The Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative is a program coordinated by Gillette Children’s under a grant funded by the Minnesota Department of Health. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position or policy of the Minnesota Department of Health, Gillette Children’s or the Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative.