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The purpose of this study was to understand the value and impact of the Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services program (VD-HCBS) on Veterans' lives in their own voices. Focus groups and individual interviews by telephone were conducted to elicit participant perspectives on what was most meaningful, and what difference VD-HCBS made in their lives. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. The sample included 21 Veterans, with a mean age of 66±14, enrolled in VD-HCBS an average of 20.8 months. All were at risk of institutional placement based on their level of disability. Five major categories captured the information provided by participants: What a Difference Choice Makes; I'm a Person!; It's a Home-Saver; Coming Back to Life; and Keeping Me Healthy & Safe. Participants described the program as life changing. This study is the first time that Veterans themselves have identified the ways in which VD-HCBS impacted their lives, uncovering the mechanisms underlying positive outcomes. These categories revealed new ways of understanding VD-HCBS as an innovative approach to meeting the person-centered needs of Veterans wishing to remain at home, while experiencing quality care and leading meaningful lives, areas identified as priorities for improving long term services and supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Spina Bifida Transition Project (SBTP) was developed by partners from pediatric and adult health care settings using existing best practice information in an effort to transition adolescents to adult health care providers. The purpose of this manuscript is to present the results of an initial evaluation of the SBTP from the adolescent/young adult (AYA) and family perspective., Design and Methods: Qualitative evaluation data were obtained from telephone interviews with 40 individuals (24 AYA and 16 parents representing 28 families) two-three weeks after initial adult clinic visits using a semi-structured interview guide., Findings: Interview analysis yielded six overall themes: Positive experience, Developing Trust, Unexpected Benefits, Communication, Potential Worries, and Suggestions for Improvement. The study supported both the effectiveness of the SBTP as well as patient desire for earlier initiation of transition activities, Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: SBTP is well-received by participants and their parents and may be useful model for other chronic health conditions., (© 2014 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.)

Pediatric specialists have successfully improved the longevity and quality of life of many children with chronic health conditions. As these children reach adolescence and young adulthood, the scope of their concomitant medical problems often include those typically seen in older patients. As a result, these individuals need continuing quality health care in focused adult healthcare facilities. This article describes the effective partnership between pediatric and adult healthcare providers to create and implement an exemplar Spina Bifida Transition Program. The processes, strategies and tools discussed are likely to be useful to other healthcare professionals interested in developing pediatric to adult transition programs for adolescents and young adults with chronic health conditions., (© 2013 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.)