Transition in health care, from pediatrics to adult care

The number of adolescent patients with chronic diseases and special heath needs are increasing, and they are reaching adulthood. Sometimes the passage to the adult health care is abrupt, depending upon the chronological age reached or because of an acute health problem that requires hospitalization. In order to facilitate the transition process, preparation of the child, the family and the health professionals involved is needed, as well as the coordination between the pediatric group and the adult team that will be incharge of the patient. This review shows the obstacles to this process and the recommended implementation steps required to a successful transition. It also describes the main aspects of a program that we implemented at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires in conjunction with some departments of adult health care high lighting the main steps to follow before and during program's implementation.