RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Despite their complex health care needs, transition-aged youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (TAY-ASD) receive few transition services and describe difficulty finding adult providers. A 12-week primary care provider (PCP) training was developed to improve the delivery of transition services for TAY-ASD [Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism: Transition to Adulthood program]. The current study examines the PCPs' perspectives and experiences of the program and application of the training material. METHODS: This study used a qualitative descriptive framework to explore the experiences and perspectives of 10 PCPs who completed the ECHO Autism: Transition to Adulthood program. Semistructured focus groups, conducted through Zoom videoconferencing, were used to explore these topics. RESULTS: Three overarching categories were identified: (1) beneficial and influential aspects of the ECHO, (2) perceived challenges, and (3) suggestions for improvements and adjustments. Overall, participants found the program highly beneficial, describing an increased sense of community and comprehensive recommendations from a multidisciplinary team. Challenges included difficulties participating in the program during clinical hours and difficulties meeting the educational needs of participants with a wide range of previous experience caring for TAY-ASD. Recommendations included embedding the location-specific material into the program to account for regional differences and the use of an online platform for participants to ask questions and discuss issues outside of the regular sessions. CONCLUSION: The study results can inform the development and implementation of new virtual PCP trainings and future ECHOs, including the revision and broad implementation of the ongoing ECHO Autism: Transition to Adulthood program.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno del Espectro Autista , Trastorno Autístico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/terapia , Trastorno Autístico/terapia , Servicios de Salud Comunitaria , Personal de Salud , Humanos , Comunicación por VideoconferenciaRESUMEN
Transition-age youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder have complex healthcare needs, yet the current healthcare system is not equipped to adequately meet the needs of this growing population. Primary care providers lack training and confidence in caring for youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. The current study developed and tested an adaptation of the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes model to train and mentor primary care providers (n = 16) in best-practice care for transition-age youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes Autism Transition program consisted of 12 weekly 1-h sessions connecting primary care providers to an interdisciplinary expert team via multipoint videoconferencing. Sessions included brief didactics, case-based learning, and guided practice. Measures of primary care provider self-efficacy, knowledge, and practice were administered pre- and post-training. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in self-efficacy regarding caring for youth/young adults with autism spectrum disorder and reported high satisfaction and changes in practice as a result of participation. By contrast, no significant improvements in knowledge or perceived barriers were observed. Overall, the results indicate that the model holds promise for improving primary care providers' confidence and interest in working with transition-age youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, further refinements may be helpful for enhancing scope and impact on practice.