Using population-level administrative data to study the health of youth with developmental disabilities transitioning to adult services

There is evidence in North America that people who have a developmental disability (DD) are living longer due to improved health care for high risk babies and children and to increases in longevity in general.  However, in BC there is nothing known about the lifespan, health and health care usage of these individuals.  The health of people who have a DD as they transition from child health care services (often pediatricians) to adult health care services (often family physicians) may be of particular concern.  Pediatric services may offer more specialized knowledge and longer appointments which support the health of people with complex medical conditions.  This specialized support may no longer be available as people with a DD transition to adulthood.   

This study will use population- level administrative health data from Population Data BC to examine health care usage of people with a DD who are transitioning from child to adult health care services.  Information gained from this study will be used to increase understanding of current health care needs and planning for future health care for this vulnerable population.