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Challenges of the Transition Period
Challenges of the Transition Period
Acute health care utilization is highest in transition age and young adult patients1
Adolescent patients often lack information about transition to adult care2
Young patients often have difficulty navigating the health care system and enter the transition period with limited psychological, practical, emotional, and monetary support from their families3,4
A comprehensive adult care transition plan
A comprehensive transition plan can help patients navigate from adolescent to adult care5
In transitioning to adult care, there are many roles:
In transitioning to adult care, there are many roles:
Doctors and Nurses:
Ensuring patients have the knowledge about their SCD and treatments is key
Other Professionals:
Social workers, case coordinators, and patient advocacy groups help patients connect to additional support they may need
Parents/Care Givers:
Caregivers play an important role both during the transition and after, helping young adults transition into adult care
Patient:
Getting involved with care decisions and taking steps to learn about their treatments is important
While caregivers should maintain an active role, it is important to encourage patients to get more involved in their care as they transition to adult care
*Developmental age, rather than chronological age, should guide the time of transition from pediatric to adult care.6
Providing a Framework for Transition to Adult Care
Patients should understand:
- The role and importance of medications
- How to best manage pain
- The importance of keeping up with screening exams and laboratory testing
Resources and Tools for Doctors and Patients Navigating Transition
Transition Readiness Assessment
A tool kit from ASH for hematologists and their patients about transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
Transition Tools for Your Patients With SCD
While the transition to adult care can be a challenge for patients with SCD, many resources exist to help support and improve this transition. This quick guide gives you easy access to some of the most useful tools available for emotional support, physical wellness, and practical assistance.
Transition Brochure for Your Patients
The Generation S Patient Transition Brochure is intended for adolescents (aged 12-18) and their parents to help in the transition from pediatric health care to adult health care. This brochure includes important information for patients on how to take charge of their health care, increase their understanding of how they may be impacted by sickle cell disease as they get older, and navigate the more complex adult care environment.
