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Initiate discussion regarding transition in early/mid adolescence as an integral part of the overall health care plan thus making it a normal part of caring for an adolescent with a chronic illness.
- Transition is most successful where there is a designated professional who, together with the young person and family, takes responsibility for the process and a team approach with all the multidisciplinary team involved.
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Young people and their families inclusion in the development of the individual transition plan is vital to the success of the process.
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Young people and/or their families will experience changes with the move to the adult system and young people need to develop new skills during the transition process. Families and carers are often anxious in the changes in their role from from primary carer to support provider.Supporting young people and their families through this process is extremely important.
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Prepare families for a different system as adult hospitals do run differently. Providing specific information about ongoing care available and by whom is essential. If services are not clearly obvious, discussion with the family about options available and differences in the adult system need to take place.
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Encourage families and patients to be assertive and if necessary to be a strong advocate for their son/daughter.
- The process of transition to adult health care needs to occur within a developmental context of when the young person is ready for this transfer and during the most appropriate time, such as avoiding the final year of school or during unsettled times in their illness.
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Health Professionals and Carers need to recognize the importance of promoting the young persons increasing capacity for self care (in conjunction with their ability) to prepare them for adult health care services.
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Communicate and collaborate with your adult hospital counterparts and develop clear processes to ensure successful transfer to adult services for RCH patients
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