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.
Goals of a Formal Transition Program
- Prepare young adults for transfer of care
- Provide uninterrupted health care that is patient-centered, age/developmentally appropriate, flexible & comprehensive
- Include age-appropriate education about medical conditions
Why is Transition Important?
- Longer life span for children born with CHD
- Need for life-long and consistent medical care
- Accepting responsibility for one’s self
- Making independent decisions
Timing of Transition
- Process begins in pediatric setting
- Transition is a process, ultimately leading to transfer
Ultimate Goal of Transition
Optimize quality of life
Increase life expectancy
Increase future productivity
Utah Congenital Heart Disease Transition Program
- Facilitate transfer of care from pediatric cardiology to adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) clinic
- Program is run by the ACHD cardiologists and staffed by a nurse coordinator, nurse practitioner, and social worker
- Every patient approaching adulthood is offered a transition plan