Overcoming barriers to a successful transition from pediatric to adult care

A Gastroenterologist's Guide to Care Transitions in Cystic Fibrosis from Pediatrics to Adult Care

Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disease affecting multiple systems, including the GI tract. Clinical manifestation in patients can start as early as infancy and vary across different age groups. With the advent of new, highly effective modulators, the life expectancy of PwCF has improved significantly. Various GI aspects of CF care, such as nutrition, are linked to an overall improvement in morbidity, lung function and the quality of life of PwCF. The variable clinical presentations and management of GI diseases in pediatrics and adults with CF should be recognized. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure efficient transfer of information between pediatric and adult providers for proper continuity of management and coordination of care at the time of transition. The transition of care is a challenging process for both patients and providers and currently there are no specific tools for GI providers to help ensure a smooth transition. In this review, we aim to highlight the crucial features of GI care at the time of transition and provide a checklist that can assist in ensuring an effective transition and ease the challenges associated with it.

Transitions of Care in Cystic Fibrosis

The development of formal transition models emerged to reduce variability in care, including cystic fibrosis (CF) responsibility, independence, self-care, and education (RISE), which provides a standardized transition program, including knowledge assessments, self-management checklists, and milestones for people with CF. Despite these interventions, the current landscape of health care transition (HCT) remains suboptimal, and additional focused attention on HCT is necessary. Standardization of assessment tools to gauge the efficacy of transfer from pediatric to adult care is a high priority. Such tools should incorporate both clinical and patient-centered outcomes to provide a comprehensive picture of progress and deficiencies of the HCT process.

Health care utilization in young adults with childhood physical disabilities: a nationally representative prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Young people with physical disabilities face barriers to accessing health care; however, few studies have followed adolescents with physical disabilities longitudinally through the transition of care into adulthood. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in health care utilization between adolescents with physical disabilities and those without during the transition period from adolescent to adult care.

METHODS

We utilized the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a prospective cohort study following adolescents ages 11-18 at baseline (1994-1995) through adulthood. Baseline physical disability status was defined as difficulty using limbs, using assistive devices or braces, or having an artificial limb; controls met none of these criteria. Health care utilization outcomes were measured seven years after baseline (ages 18-26). These included yearly physical check-ups, unmet health care needs, and utilization of last-resort medical care, such as emergency departments, inpatient hospital wards, and inpatient mental health facilities. Multiple logistic regression models were used to predict health care utilization, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and history of depression.

RESULTS

Thirteen thousand four hundred thirty-six participants met inclusion criteria, including 4.2% with a physical disability and 95.8% without. Half (50%) of the sample were women, and the average age at baseline was 15.9 years (SE = 0.12). In logistic regression models, those with a disability had higher odds of unmet health care needs in the past year (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.41 95% CI 1.07-1.87), two or more emergency department visits in the past five years (OR 1.34 95% CI 1.06-1.70), and any hospitalizations in the past five years (OR 1.36 95% CI 1.07-1.72). No statistically significant differences in preventive yearly check-ups or admission to mental health facilities were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adults with physical disabilities are at higher risk of having unmet health care needs and using last-resort health care services compared to their non-disabled peers.

Chronic care handoffs in otolaryngology: Pediatric to Adult Care Providers

OBJECTIVE

The transfer of care from pediatric to adult otolaryngology remains unexplored. Our study investigated practice patterns among pediatric otolaryngologists.

METHODS

Twenty-question survey administered to otolaryngologists at the Society for Ear Nose and Throat Advancement in Children (SENTAC) and American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) in December 2020 and July 2021 respectively. Data analyzed in RedCap including demographics, frequencies, means, and standard deviations.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 48 participants. The majority of respondents practiced for at least 16 years (n = 28) at a University-based practices (n = 38), serving an entirely pediatric population (n = 44). Providers' expertise included chronic ear disease, voice disorders, and laryngeal stenosis. Few respondents (n = 12) had a transfer of care policy formalized at their practice. However, 38.8% of respondents were interested in developing one. Respondents rarely discussed topics such as drugs, tobacco, or alcohol use (mean 30.1%, SD 30.18%) with patients; and only 55.5% (SD 32.98) of providers asked patients 14 years and older to describe their condition, medications, or treatment plans. None of the providers were familiar with standardized transition of care tools. The majority of providers transferred patients between 18 and 25 years old to adult care.

CONCLUSION

There is significant variation between otolaryngology providers' awareness and clinical practice patterns surrounding pediatric to adult transfer of care. Further studies are needed to evaluate the implications of these biases for patient outcomes and the opportunities for a standardized approach.

Destination unknown: Parents and healthcare professionals' perspectives on transition from paediatric to adult care in Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Transitioning from paediatric medical care to adult care is a challenging process for children, parents and healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, concerns and needs of parents of children with Down syndrome and of professionals regarding this transition.

METHOD

A qualitative study was performed using semi-structured interviews with 20 parents of children with Down syndrome and six healthcare professionals.

RESULTS

We showed that parents and professionals have concerns during each of the three distinct phases of transition (preparation, transfer and integration). Data disclose specific concerns regarding communication, continuity of care and rebuilding trust. We propose a framework for the transition to adult care.

CONCLUSIONS

The transition in medical care for children with Down syndrome should be flexible, patient-centred and coordinated together with patients and parents. Only in ensuring continuity of care will individuals with Down syndrome not get lost in transition.

Transition of care of patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases: Challenges and opportunities

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) are a group of allergen-mediated conditions which are characterized by eosinophilic inflammation affecting one or more parts of the gastrointestinal tract. A disproportionately higher number of EGID patients are diagnosed in the pediatric age group. Given the chronic course of EGIDs and lack of curative therapies at this time, majority of the pediatric EGID patients may require continued care well into their adulthood. However, to date, scant data are available regarding the health care transition (HCT), the transition of care (TC), and the effectiveness of transfer of care EGID patients from pediatric-oriented to adult-oriented providers. Herein, we review the lessons learnt from transfer of care of children with other chronic gastrointestinal and allergic conditions, analyze the current knowledge, potential barriers, the role of various stakeholders in successful transfer of care of EGID patients, propose a conceptual framework for HCT and TC of EGID patients, and identify outcome measures to ensure the quality of progression of care.

The added value of transition programs in Dutch diabetes care: A controlled evaluation study

PURPOSE

The desirability of evaluating transition programs is widely acknowledged. This study aimed to explore the added value of transitional care investments for young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Based on qualitative data, two groups of diabetes teams were created through cluster analysis: paying more (HI-ATT) versus less attention (LO-ATT) to transitional care. Retrospective controlled evaluation included chart reviews on healthcare use and clinical outcomes; and a survey on young adults' experiences, satisfaction with care, and self-management skills.

RESULTS

Data from 320 patients in fifteen diabetes teams were collected; 123 young adults (38.4%) completed a questionnaire. Self-reported outcomes showed that young adults treated by a HI-ATT team felt better prepared for transfer (p < .05). Self-management outcomes did not differ between groups. HI-ATT teams had more scheduled consultations in the year after transfer (p < .05); only 10.6% of all measurements had reached targeted HbA1c scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Current transitional care investments in Dutch diabetes care did not lead to notable improvements in experiences and outcomes, except for preparation for transfer. The period after transfer, however, is just as important. Attention is required for parent involvement.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Transitional care investments should extend beyond the transfer. By educating young adults about the importance of regular clinic attendance and introducing additional person-centered consultations in adult care, nurses may help ensure continuity of care. Nurses could also introduce support programs for parents to prepare for the transition and their change in role, taking into account their continuing partnership.

Prevalence and barriers to health care transition for adolescent patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases across Japan: A nation-wide cross-sectional survey

Since the Japan Pediatric Society published its "Recommendations on Transitional Care for Patients with Childhood-Onset Chronic Diseases" in 2014, there has been an increased interest in the health care transition of adolescents with childhood-onset chronic diseases in Japan. However, the actual status of healthcare transition was not studied yet. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of transitional support for adolescent patients with childhood-onset chronic disease and the factors hindering their transition. We conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey in August 2020, targeting physicians and nurses involved in health care transition at 494 pediatric facilities in Japan. Survey items included demographic data, health care systems related to transition to adult departments, health care transition programs based on Six Core Elements (establishing transition policy, tracking and monitoring transition progress, assessing patient readiness for transition, developing the transition plan with a medical summary, transferring the patient, completing the transfer/following up with the patient and family), barriers to transition (34-item, 4-point Likert scale), and expectations in supporting transition (multiple-choice responses), which consisted of five items (78 questions); all questions were structured. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Of the 225 responses collected (45.5% response rate), 88.0% were from pediatricians. More than 80% of respondents transferred patients of 20 years or older, but only about 15% had took a structured transition process of four or more based on the Six Core Elements. The top transition barriers were "intellectual disability/rare disease" and "dependence on pediatrics" as patient/family factors, and "lack of collaboration with adult healthcare (relationship, manpower/system, knowledge/understanding)" as medical/infrastructure factors. The study provides future considerations, including the promotion of structured health care transition programs, development of transitional support tailored to the characteristics of rare diseases and disorders, and establishment of a support system with adult departments.

A Pilot Project: Improving the Transition Care Process for Neurosurgical Adolescent Patients with Indwelling Shunts to Adult Care

BACKGROUND

A formal transition program has not been described for neurosurgical adolescent patients with an indwelling shunt device. Transitioning from pediatric neurosurgical care to adult care without transition guidance has caused abrupt transfer of care at this institution. The goal of this pilot transition program was to help patients and caregivers feel informed and prepared for transition.

METHODS

The Got Transition®, Six Core Elements of Transition, were used to create this program. Both a policy and a registry to track and monitor patients were created. A validated questionnaire for transition readiness was measured. Education was provided based on the results of the questionnaire to prepare the adolescent for transfer of care. A smartphone application was used to promote health care independence. Transfer to adult neurosurgical care included hand-off between the pediatric and adult teams, child life and social work involvement, and scheduled follow up with an adult neurosurgical provider.

FINDINGS

All patients 14 to 18 years with indwelling shunts were enrolled in the pilot program. Eight patients completed a baseline transition readiness assessment, received education and anticipatory guidance, and downloaded the smartphone application. At the end of the six month pilot, three patients were successfully transferred to adult care.

DISCUSSION

The integration of a transition readiness questionnaire and smart phone application during this pilot program was feasible and continues to be used at this institution. Adolescent patients with shunts require gradual and carefully planned transition services.

Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Transition in Ambulatory Care: Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Epilepsy Transition Clinic

Children with epilepsy comprise 3.2% of the estimated 500,000 youth with special medical needs who move from the pediatric to adult care model annually. These 16,000 children who require transfer each year represent a challenging subset of 470,000 youth living with epilepsy in the United States. Transition and transfer of care are complex and require gradual processes. This period for youth with epilepsy is often associated with inadequate follow-up and increased risk of nonadherence. Furthermore, youth and adults with epilepsy are known to have suboptimal social and emotional outcomes compared with peers, with high rates of under education, underemployment, poverty, and struggles with mental health. The goal of improving social determinants and continuity of care prompted the development of formal epilepsy transition clinics. Multiple clinic models exist, sharing the overarching goal of supporting youth while building self-management skills, tailored to age and developmental level. Early evidence shows that transition discussion leads to statistically significant increases in transfer readiness and self-efficacy in young adults with epilepsy. Our center boasts a 100% attendance rate at our transition and transfer clinic and 78% compliance with follow-up, further demonstrating that patients and families value quality transition programming.

Self-Management of Health Care Among Youth: Implications for Policies on Transitions of Care

PURPOSE

Transitions from pediatric to adult health care are important milestones for youth. In surveys, providers report that youth lack the motivation or skills to manage their care independently, a prerequisite for successful transitions. To assess the validity of this belief, we surveyed youth regarding their current and desired level of involvement in their care.

METHODS

In 2017-2018, we conducted a national text message survey of youth aged 14-24 years. The survey included three open-ended questions assessing participants' independence on three health care tasks (scheduling appointments, attending appointments, and picking up prescriptions) and one open-ended question assessing their desire to be more, less, or equally involved in their care as they are now. We qualitatively analyzed free-text responses to identify themes.

RESULTS

Among 1,214 eligible participants, 805 (66.3%) completed all four questions and were included in the sample. Forty-one percent of youth reported wanting to be more involved in their care. Among young adults aged 18-24 years, 22% were not fully independent on the three health care tasks and reported wanting to be less involved or equally as involved as they are currently.

CONCLUSION

Many youth should be viewed as partners in health care transitions instead of as barriers, but some youth are at high risk for failed transitions. Policymakers and providers should promote routine screening of youth for their current levels of engagement in care and desire to be more involved.

CFTR Modulators: The Changing Face of Cystic Fibrosis in the Era of Precision Medicine

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal inherited disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which result in impairment of CFTR mRNA and protein expression, function, stability or a combination of these. Although CF leads to multifaceted clinical manifestations, the respiratory disorder represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality of these patients. The life expectancy of CF patients has substantially lengthened due to early diagnosis and improvements in symptomatic therapeutic regimens. Quality of life remains nevertheless limited, as these individuals are subjected to considerable clinical, psychosocial and economic burdens. Since the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989, tremendous efforts have been made to develop therapies acting more upstream on the pathogenesis cascade, thereby overcoming the underlying dysfunctions caused by CFTR mutations. In this line, the advances in cell-based high-throughput screenings have been facilitating the fast-tracking of CFTR modulators. These modulator drugs have the ability to enhance or even restore the functional expression of specific CF-causing mutations, and they have been classified into five main groups depending on their effects on CFTR mutations: potentiators, correctors, stabilizers, read-through agents, and amplifiers. To date, four CFTR modulators have reached the market, and these pharmaceutical therapies are transforming patients' lives with short- and long-term improvements in clinical outcomes. Such breakthroughs have paved the way for the development of novel CFTR modulators, which are currently under experimental and clinical investigations. Furthermore, recent insights into the CFTR structure will be useful for the rational design of next-generation modulator drugs. This review aims to provide a summary of recent developments in CFTR-directed therapeutics. Barriers and future directions are also discussed in order to optimize treatment adherence, identify feasible and sustainable solutions for equitable access to these therapies, and continue to expand the pipeline of novel modulators that may result in effective precision medicine for all individuals with CF.

Practices, attitudes and barriers faced by internists and pediatricians in transitioning young adult patients to adult medicine

Purpose To assess perspectives of clinicians at an academic medical center regarding current practices, barriers and possible interventions in transitioning young adult patients to adult care. Methods Electronic survey results from licensed independent providers in the Departments of Internal Medicine (n = 87) and Pediatrics (n = 49) were analyzed. Results The majority of providers at our institution are unaware of and do not follow national transition guidelines. Seventy-seven percent of pediatricians provide the majority of preparation and support in transition care of young adults with complex medical conditions without involvement of other interprofessional team members. Ninety-six percent of internists report not receiving formal training related to transition care and only 44% are comfortable caring for young adults with medical complexity. Eighty-eight percent of pediatricians and internists support a standard transition process, yet significant gaps in this process exist. Conclusion Despite the existence of national society-supported recommendations for transitions of care processes, lack of awareness among providers regarding national transition guidelines has led to uncertainty when it comes to managing the transition of young adult patients. There is lack of communication between pediatricians and internists, and internists are not as confident in caring for young adult patients. The scope of work of the interprofessional team is not utilized adequately. Providers agree on the importance of developing a standardized pediatric to adult transition process. These results help inform possible future interventions to improve care for this population.

A program of transition to adult care for sickle cell disease

Most children with sickle cell disease (SCD) today survive into adulthood. Among emerging adults, there is a marked increase in acute care utilization and a rise in mortality, which can be exacerbated by not establishing or remaining in adult care. Health care transition programs are therefore essential to prepare, transfer, and integrate emerging adults in the adult care setting. The Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition, created by the Center for Health Care Transition Improvement, define the basic components of health care transition support as follows: (1) transition policy, (2) tracking and monitoring progress, (3) assessing transition readiness, (4) planning for adult care, (5) transferring to adult care, and (6) integrating into adult care. Programs that implement the Six Core Elements have experienced significant declines in care abandonment during adolescence and young adulthood and higher early adult care engagement. Most of the core transition activities are not currently reimbursable, however, posing a challenge to sustain transition programs. Ongoing studies are investigating interventions in comparative effectiveness trials to improve health-related quality of life and reduce acute care utilization among emerging adults with SCD. Although these studies will identify best practices for health care transition, it is also important to define how the transition outcomes will be measured, as no consensus definition exists for successful health care transition in SCD. Future research is needed to define best practices for health care transition, systematically assess transition outcomes, and revise payment models to promote sustainability of health care transition programs.

Controlled evaluation of a transition clinic for Dutch young people with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Transition clinics (TCs) are advocated as best practice to support young people with cystic fibrosis (CF) during transition to adulthood and adult care. We aimed to research the functioning of a TC for young people with CF compared with direct hand-over care and to evaluate whether those treated at the TC have better transfer experiences and outcomes compared with the control group.

METHODS

Mixed-methods retrospective controlled design, including interviews with professionals, observations of clinics, chart reviews (at four measurement moments), and patient surveys. Qualitative data analysis focused on organization and daily routines, and barriers and facilitators experienced. Young people's transfer experiences, self-management, health care use, and clinical outcomes were assessed quantitatively.

RESULTS

The most notable feature distinguishing the TC and direct hand-over care comprised joint consultations between pediatric and adult care professionals in the former. A transition coordinator was considered essential for the success of the TC. The main barriers were lack of time, planning, and reimbursement issues. Young people treated at the TC tended to have better transfer experiences and were more satisfied. They reported significantly more trust in their adult care professionals. Their self-management-related outcomes were less favorable.

CONCLUSIONS

The TC had several perceived benefits and showed positive trends in transfer experiences and satisfaction, but no differences in health-related outcomes. Structured preparation of young people, joint consultations with pediatric and adult care professionals, and better coordination were perceived as facilitating elements. Further improvement demands solutions for organizational and financial barriers, and better embedding of self-management interventions in CF care.

Abandoning developmental silos: what can paediatricians and adult interstitial lung disease physicians learn from each other?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) consists of a large and heterogeneous group of disorders that are classified together because of similar clinical, radiographic, physiologic or pathologic manifestations. Overall, although there is overlap between adult and childhood ILD (chILD), there are many differences in disease causes and prevalences.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the last few years, our understanding of adult ILD pathobiology has improved substantially. This is particularly true for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, wherein recently developed guideline documents provide recommendations for the diagnosis and clinical management of patients. For chILD, similar guidelines are yet to be developed. However, complications and long-term pulmonary outcomes of paediatric disease are better appreciated, which make the implementation of a successful transition program from paediatric to adult care an urgent need. Similarly important is the development of guidelines on performance and interpretation of genetic testing in affected and unaffected relatives of familial cases and in children of adult-onset ILD patients. Lung transplantation appears to be as successful as in adult patients for end-stage disease. Paediatric pulmonologists should engage with the adult multidisciplinary teams and benefit from their much more extensive experience.

SUMMARY

Childhood and adult ILD share a number of aspects, which give children and adult ILD specialists exciting opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other. Such collaborative effort between child and adult ILD experts is crucial for successful future development in the field.

How do neonatal units within the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network manage ex-preterm infants with severe chronic lung disease still requiring major respiratory support at term?

AIM

The aim was to survey the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) member units regarding current services and management guidelines for the ex-premature infant with severe chronic lung disease (CLD) still requiring significant respiratory support at term.

METHODS

A 16-question survey was sent to clinical directors of all Level 3 units in Australia and New Zealand via the network. Reminder emails were sent, as required, to prompt a satisfactory response rate.

RESULTS

Survey responses were received from 26 of the 29 (90%) ANZNN Level 3 units. At 37 weeks' corrected gestation, over 90% of the units provide ongoing respiratory support in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, by 50 weeks, ongoing care is provided in several settings, including NICU, high dependency unit (HDU)/paediatric intensive care unit or respiratory wards. The majority (76%) of units arrange transfer on an ad hoc basis, but six units (24%) have set criteria for transfer based on gestation, workload and respiratory requirement. Three units declared a maximum age in NICU (44, 46 or 48 weeks). A variety of approaches were used to identify infants who were likely to require transfer, and 78% of units had a staff member assigned to assist transition. Three units stated that they had a home ventilation programme suitable for these infants. No unit supplied a guideline on tracheostomy or specific respiratory management post-term.

CONCLUSION

Despite a significant number of babies requiring ongoing support for severe CLD, the location of the service appears very variable, and there is a lack of specific written guidelines.