Transition and transfer of adolescents and young adults with pediatric onset chronic disease: The patient and parent perspective

PURPOSE: To determine patients' and parents' perceptions regarding the delivery of transition education and perceived barriers to transfer to adult oriented care. METHODS: A self-report survey was administered to a convenience sample of patients (16-25 years old) with various childhood onset chronic diseases. A similar survey was administered to their parents/guardians. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients and 104 parents participated in the study. The mean age of patients was 18.8 +/- 2.3 years; 57% were female. Although most patients and parents reported receiving information and training about their medical condition, significant gaps in other aspects of transition education were identified. These included stated deficiencies in education regarding unprotected intercourse, health of future offspring, birth control, pregnancy, illicit drug use, and future career or vocation counseling. Commonly cited barriers to transfer were emotional attachments and lack of adult medicine specialty providers; however, the majority anticipated being ready to transfer to adult oriented care by age 25 years. CONCLUSION: There are significant gaps in the delivery of transition education as perceived by patients and their parents. Standardization of transition education may help ensure that patients acquire the knowledge and skills for health care self-management in adulthood and successful transfer to adult oriented care.