Adults with CHD

Transition of Care from Pediatric to Adult Congenital Cardiology

What is 'Transition'?

Transition refers to a shift in the responsibility of healthcare management from the family to the patient, and transfer of care from a pediatric to adult congenital cardiologist

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Goals of a Formal Transition Program

  • Prepare young adults for transfer of care
  • Provide uninterrupted healthcare – which is patient-centered age & developmentally appropriate, flexible, and comprehensive
  • Should include age-appropriate education about medical conditions
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Why is 'Transition' Important?

  • Longer life span for children born with congenital heart disease
  • Need for life-long and consistent medical care
  • Accepting responsibility for one’s self
  • Making independent decisions
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Ultimate Goal of Transition

  • Optimize quality of life
  • Increase life expectancy
  • Increase future productivity
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Timing of Transition

  • Process begins in pediatric setting
  • Transition is a process ultimately leading to transfer

The Utah Congenital Heart Disease Transition Program

  • Facilitate transfer of care from pediatric cardiology to adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) clinic
  • Program run by ACHD cardiologists and staffed by a nurse coordinator, nurse practitioner, and social worker
  • Every patient approaching adulthood is offered a transition plan
  • Transition process typically starts at 15 years of age and complete between 18-21 years old