Are we ready to reliably assess transition readiness?

Patient, Caregiver, and Provider Perceptions of Transition Readiness and Therapeutic Alliance during Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care in Epilepsy

Transition from pediatric to adult health care is a time of high risk for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with epilepsy. Our aims are to examine patient, caregiver, and provider perceptions of transition readiness and the influence of patient-provider alliance in the context of transition readiness. Our cross-sectional study included 82 AYAs with epilepsy prior to transition. Patients, caregivers, and providers completed questionnaires (e.g., transition readiness and working alliance). Statistical analyses included independent samples and paired t-tests. Participants were 17.3 ± 2.8 years on average, 54% were females, 84% were White (non-Hispanic), and 38% had generalized epilepsy. Caregivers reported significantly higher transition readiness than their AYAs (t (72) = −10.6, p < 0.001). AYAs and providers reported similar alliance scores. Providers who felt patients were ready to transition had higher patient-reported transition readiness and provider-reported alliance scores. These data suggest that patients and providers are well aligned in the transition process, and providers appropriately perceive key areas necessary for transition. Caregivers and patients had discrepant perceptions of transition readiness, highlighting the importance of assessing both unique transition perspectives. Dedicated transition programs are likely to be beneficial in improving transition readiness and increase alignment across patients, caregivers, and providers.

Neuropsychological functioning and health-related quality of life in pediatric liver disease: the sum of our perspectives is greater than each alone

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review will discuss current data on neuropsychological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in children with liver disease. Research has trickled in over the past 30 years, mostly in small, single-center studies with observational or retrospective design. As medical treatment has advanced, survival has improved dramatically, with the majority now living into adulthood. The focus is shifting toward more systematic exploration of functional outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Contemporary cohorts provide evidence for increased prevalence of IQ deficits despite overall average means in children with end-stage liver disease and long after transplant. Recent studies explore specific neurocognitive domains and populations, such as pediatric acute liver failure and metabolic disorders. HRQOL is reduced in pediatric liver transplant recipients, even years later. Current research examines HRQOL in pediatric acute liver failure, infants with chronic liver disease, and specific diseases. A major psychosocial concern is the transition from pediatric to adult care, and the challenges in assessing transfer readiness.

SUMMARY

As research in functional outcomes becomes more sophisticated (more prospective, controlled, and multisite studies), richer data are available. The most comprehensive understanding of how children with liver disease fare is achieved by integrating perspectives into one picture painted by many.