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