Political Concerns in Transitioning Medical Care

As more children with long-term congenital conditions survive into adulthood, the need for successful transition of care from pediatric providers to adult care providers becomes more important. This chapter considers how laws, rules, and regulations of medical specialties, hospital systems and governments affect this transition. The effect of governmental support programs on this process are reviewed. The differences that exist between countries like the United States (where health care is primarily supported by private insurance and government sponsored programs) alongside countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, which have a more socialized health insurance policy, are examined. The impact on access to healthcare, of cultural issues and differences that exist in adolescents and emerging adults across the world are also assessed. Finally, some of the differences in the ranges of services provided in different countries and organizations that have played a role in supporting patients and families with congenital conditions across the world are considered.