In the past year, Stella’s treatment has been transferred from the pediatric gastroenterologist to the adult gastroenterologist. In addition to the transition, the stresses of her personal life and the postponement of her move to Europe have also left a mark on his health.
When a patient turns 17, it is a crucial time in their illness and care. This can be one of the most critical moments when patients can be set on a “lifetime journey of success.” The transition process that begins with a pediatric gastroenterologist and ends with a gastroenterologist caring for adults must be done judiciously in order to develop a close relationship between the patient, i.e., an adolescent, and the caregivers.
Tips for a successful transition
- People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who participate in a transition program are likely to have better adherence and fewer adverse outcomes after transfer to adult care than those who do not participate in such a program.
- Patients, parents, and caregivers for children and adults may approach the transition differently. It is important to identify and harmonize these attitudes.
- Skills required for a successful transition include disease-specific knowledge and independent decision-making.
- Patient education should be age-appropriate, and “transfer” to adult gastroenterological care should begin at least one year prior to transfer.
- It is desirable to teach the parents to transfer the responsibility for the treatment of the disease to their child.
- The joint child-adult clinic established as part of the transition program can be considered an ideal model.
- Transfer to adult care should preferably occur during stable remission.
- The most recommended transition models in IBD are based on collaboration between pediatric and adult IBD teams (including gastroenterologists and IBD nurses). However, it is crucial to have a member responsible for monitoring the progress of the transition and completing the proper transfer.
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