Implementation of effective transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care: epidemiological and clinical characteristics-a pioneering experience in North Africa

Transition Readiness Assessment in Adolescents and Young Adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) conveys significant disease morbidity and lower quality of life compared to the general population. Research has shown that decreased positive health outcomes are directly correlated with inadequate development of health-related self-management skills among similar patient populations, and among these populations a healthcare transition (HCT) intervention improves provision of care and health outcomes. Thus, HCT intervention may improve care and outcomes in NF1. To design a future informed NF1 HCT intervention, baseline transition readiness must be assessed. A survey distributed by Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) was developed to assess transition readiness and the impact of NF1 on factors of young adult life. A total of 101 participants aged 14-26 years living in the United States completed the survey with a median [IQR] age of 18 [16, 21]. The majority of participants reported that NF1 had significant or some impact on all factors of young adult life including education, career, relationships, and family planning. The median Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) score in this study (3.50/5.00) was significantly lower than the previously published score of healthy peers (3.93/5.00) (p< .001). Higher TRAQ scores correlated with higher NF1-specific transition knowledge and skills (NF1-TRAQ) (r = 0.632). Participants self-report adequate knowledge of NF1 and comfort in talking to medical providers. They report discomfort with appointment keeping, insurance related tasks, addressing NF1 emergencies, and discussing NF1 with non-medical providers and peers. Further, TRAQ and NF1-TRAQ scores were lower in individuals who reported that their diagnosis of NF1 had some or significant impact on education, career, and relationships. Findings demonstrate that among individuals with NF1 in this study, decreased transition readiness is associated with a negative impact on young adult life. Data from this study supports the need to develop NF1-specific HCT intervention tools, with an effort to improve quality of life and standardize NF1 care.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1): Addressing the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care

Health care transition, or HCT, is the process of adolescents and young adults moving from a child/family-centered model of health care to an adult/patient-centered model of health care. Healthcare providers have an essential role in this process which can be especially challenging for individuals with medical or special healthcare needs. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a complex multisystem disorder requiring lifelong medical surveillance, education, and psychosocial support. This review highlights the transition needs of NF1 patients and provides resources for both clinicians and families to facilitate HCT in this population. The authors propose a framework for the development of an effective NF1 transition program by using the Six Core Elements model of the Got Transition program, reviewing existing literature, and incorporating author experiences in the care and transition of NF1 patients.

Facilitating the transition from paediatric to adult care in endocrinology: a focus on growth disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many childhood-onset growth disorders (COGDs) require continued care into adulthood, and the time of transition between paediatric and adult providers carries a high risk for interruptions in medical care and consequent worsening of disease management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research into best practices for healthcare transition (HCT) describes three distinct stages. Stage 1, transition planning and preparation, begins in the paediatric setting during early adolescence and ensures that the patient has adequate medical knowledge, self-management skills, and readiness for transition. Stage 2, transfer to adult care, occurs with variable timing depending on transition readiness and is best facilitated by warm hand-offs and, when possible, joint visits with the paediatric and adult provider(s) and/or involvement of a care coordinator. Stage 3, intake and integration into adult care, entails retaining the patient in the adult setting, ideally through the involvement of a multidisciplinary approach.

SUMMARY

This review covers general principles for ensuring smooth transition of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with COGD, disease-specific medical considerations for paediatric and adult endocrinologists during the transition process, and general and disease-specific resources to assess transition readiness and facilitate transition.

Motivational interviewing to improve self-management in youth with type 1 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Effective interventions are needed to help adolescents with T1D develop independent self-management skills to prevent commonly observed deterioration of disease self-management resulting in poor health outcomes. Using a prospective RCT design, we assessed the impact of a nurse-led education program based on motivational interviewing (MI) in youth with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

DESIGN AND METHODS

After parental consent and youth assent, we prospectively randomized 66 adolescents 13-18 years old with T1D to either usual care (every 3 months visit with pediatric endocrinologist) or usual care supplemented by 2 in-person and 4 follow-up phone calls with a nurse educator in a pediatric endocrinology clinic of the University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia. We used MI sessions to support youth general and disease specific self-management skills. Outcomes were change, between baseline and 6 months, in TRAQ (a validated measure of youth self-management) scores and HbA1c values.

RESULTS

Mean TRAQ scores (based on a 5-point Likert scale) increased by 1.44 points (s.d. = 0.56) in the Intervention Group versus 0.26 points (s.d. = 0.34) in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean HbA1C value decreased in the intervention group by 0.95 units versus a decrease of 0.12 units in the control group (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

We found that a brief, nurse-led MI-based educational intervention, integrated into specialty pediatric care, resulted in a significant improvement in both self-reported self-management skills and in HbA1c values.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04798937.

Navigating Disrupted Puberty: Development and Evaluation of a Mobile-Health Transition Passport for Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common aneuploidy in men and has long-term sequelae on health and wellbeing. KS is a chronic, lifelong condition and adolescents/young adults (AYAs) with KS face challenges in transitioning from pediatric to adult-oriented services. Discontinuity of care contributes to poor outcomes for health and wellbeing and transition programs for KS are lacking. We aimed to develop and test a mobile health tool (KS Transition Passport) to educate patients about KS, encourage self-management and support successful transition to adult-oriented care. First, we conducted a retrospective chart review and patient survey to examine KS transition at a university hospital. Second, we conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature on AYAs with KS. Last, we developed a mobile health transition passport and evaluated it with patient support groups. Participants evaluated the tool using the System Usability Scale and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Chart review identified 21 AYAs diagnosed between 3.9-16.8 years-old (median 10.2 years). The survey revealed only 4/10 (40%) were on testosterone therapy and fewer (3/10, 30%) had regular medical care. The scoping review identified 21 relevant articles highlighting key aspects of care for AYAs with KS. An interprofessional team developed the mobile-health KS transition passport using an iterative process. Support group members (n=35) rated passport usability as 'ok' to 'good' (70 ± 20, median 73.5/100). Of PEMAT dimensions, 5/6 were deemed 'high quality' (86-90/100) and participants knew what to do with the information (actionability = 83/100). In conclusion, many patients with KS appear to have gaps in transition to adult-oriented care. Iterative development of a KS transition passport produced a mobile health tool that was usable, understandable and had high ratings for actionability.

Health care transition from pediatric to adult care: an evidence-based guideline

For consistent quality of treatment of young people with chronic health care needs, a structured health care transition (HCT) from pediatric medicine to adult medical care is essential. Currently, most countries have no guidelines on HCT based on systematic evidence research. To close this gap, guidance to support HCT was developed in Germany. Twenty-two experts in the management of adolescents and young adults with different chronic conditions and three patient representatives were invited to take part in the guideline group. Based on a systematic literature search recommendations for HCT were drafted. Where evidence was lacking, recommendations were developed using collective expert consensus. The consensus process was independently moderated using a Delphi approach. The final draft was reviewed and endorsed by all major German medical societies. The clinical recommendations provide guidance for all chronic somatic diseases. After assessment of HCT readiness, an individualized plan for HCT should be drawn up. Key elements here are a responsible coordinator, age-adapted patient education, involvement of caregivers, web-based interventions, joint visits, and a structured summary for the receiving physician. The aim is the gradual transfer of responsibility for disease management to the young person themselves.    Conclusion: As only a few randomized controlled studies on HCT are available, evidence-based statements are possible for some but not all areas of HCT. However, this guideline may help to develop globally accepted standards. These standards should be established and implemented. The aim should be a reimbursement by individual national health systems to allow appropriate support for young people. What is Known: • Health care transition from pediatric to adult care is primarily organized in local settings, partly based on disease-specific guidelines. •There have been no national guidelines in Germany until now. What is New: • Here we present the general evidence-based guidelines of the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies for health care transition. • These might serve as a blueprint for further national or international health care transition guidelines.

Multidisciplinary Approach for Adult Patients With Childhood-Onset Chronic Disease Focusing on Promoting Pediatric to Adult Healthcare Transition Interventions: An Updated Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Owing to improved prognosis, the number of adult patients with childhood-onset chronic disease (APCCD) has increased. In this systematic review, we evaluated a multidisciplinary approach toward APCCD, focusing on promoting pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions and their effects.

METHODS

We reviewed literature comparing the effects of pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions in children and adolescents with childhood-onset chronic disease, using PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, from 2010 to 2021 (keywords: "transition," "children," "intervention," "healthcare," etc.). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) original studies, (ii) studies on pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions in children with chronic disease, (iii) patients including "adolescents" aged 12 and older receiving intervention, and (iv) studies that included the four elements of the PICO model: Patient/ Problem, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome model.

RESULTS

After evaluating 678 studies, 16 were selected, comprising topics such as "individual education programs" (n = 6), "group meetings" (n = 6), "active learning using information and communications technology" (n = 2), and "transition clinics" (n = 2). The effects obtained varied, depending on the contents and methods of the intervention. Additionally, there was no evidence of adverse outcomes from these interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions provide systematic support for the transition, patient independence, and social participation; thus, they should be adopted based on their expected effects.

Association of Self-Efficacy, Transition Readiness and Diabetes Distress With Glycemic Control in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Preparing to Transition to Adult Care

OBJECTIVES

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are associated with inadequate medical follow up, suboptimal glycemic control and higher risk for adverse outcomes. Our aim in this study was to determine whether self-efficacy, transition readiness or diabetes distress is associated with glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin [A1C]) among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) preparing to transition to adult care.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adolescents (age 17 years) with T1D followed at the Montreal Children's Hospital Diabetes Clinic 1 year before transferring to adult care. Participants completed validated questionnaires on self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Self-Management Measure [SEDM], score 1 to 10), transition readiness (Am I ON TRAC? For Adult Care questionnaire [TRAC], score ≥8 indicates readiness) and diabetes distress (Diabetes Distress Scale for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes [T1-DDS], score ≥3 indicates distress). The primary outcome was A1C (%) 1 year before transfer. We examined associations of self-efficacy, transition readiness and diabetes distress with A1C using multivariate linear and logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age at diagnosis and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

Of 74 adolescents with T1D (29 males, 39.1%), 27 (36.4%) had suboptimal glycemic control (A1C ≥9.0%). Less than half were transition-ready (TRAC questionnaire score ≥8) and 14% had diabetes distress (T1-DDS score ≥3). SEDM was not associated with A1C. Adolescents considered ready for transition were less likely to have suboptimal glycemic control (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.09 to 0.99), whereas adolescents with diabetes distress were more likely to have suboptimal glycemic control (odds ratio, 6.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 36.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Improving health-care transition within pediatric care should focus on both transition readiness and diabetes distress to help improve adolescents' glycemic control and prepare them for adult care.

Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathy Status of Young Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus at the Time of Transition From Pediatric Care to Adult-Oriented Diabetes Care

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of neuropathic lesions in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) at the time of transition from pediatric care to adult-oriented diabetes care is poorly studied. A comparative study with healthy volunteers to assess the possible neuropathic condition of this special population and to identify the potential early screening needs has not been performed yet. The results may provide important feedback to pediatric diabetes care and a remarkable baseline reference point for further follow up in adult diabetes care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine young patients with T1DM [age: 22.4 ± 2.9 years; HbA1c: 8.5 ± 2.1%, diabetes duration: 12.2 ± 5.8 years; (mean ± SD)] and 30 healthy volunteers (age: 21.5 ± 1.6 years; HbA1c: 5.3 ± 0.3%) were involved in the study. Autonomic function was assessed by standard cardiovascular reflex tests. Complex peripheral neuropathic testing was performed by Neurometer^®, Neuropad^®-test, Tiptherm^®, Monofilament^®, and Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork tests.

RESULTS

T1DM patients had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure than controls (80 ± 9 vs. 74 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure (127 ± 26 vs. 121 ± 13 mmHg). Cardiovascular reflex tests had not revealed any significant differences between the T1DM patients and controls. No significant differences with Neurometer^®, Neuropad^®-test, and Monofilament^® were detected between the two groups. The vibrational sensing on the radius on both sides was significantly impaired in the T1DM group compared to the controls with Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork test (right: 7.5 ± 1.0 vs. 7.9 ± 0.3; left: 7.5 ± 0.9 vs. 7.9 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). The Tiptherm^®-test also identified a significant impairment in T1DM patients (11 sensing failures vs. 1, p < 0.001). In addition, the neuropathic complaints were significantly more frequently present in the T1DM patient group than in the controls (9 vs. 0, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In this young T1DM population, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and cardiac morphological alterations could not be found. However, Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork and Tiptherm^®-tests revealed peripheral sensory neurological impairments in young T1DM patients at the time of their transition to adult diabetes care.

Somatic outcomes of young people with chronic diseases participating in transition programs: a systematic review

Introduction

There is growing evidence that the health of young people with chronic health conditions deteriorates during the transfer from child-centred to adult-oriented health care. Risks include not only the deterioration of health status in general but also the occurrence of secondary diseases and adverse events. Transition programs have been implemented. However, there is a lack of evidence about whether they reduce these risks and which interventions should be principally included. Evidence-based guidelines for the transition of young people should be introduced. In this study we therefore aim to summarise actual evidence on somatic outcomes during the transition period.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted. Two independent reviewers searched in electronic databases (Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science) for intervention studies that aimed to improve transition. Last update of search was October 31st 2018. Grey literature was also searched. Studies were included if they examined participants aged 11 years or older suffering from a chronic health condition and evaluated interventions aimed to improve somatic outcomes after transition. Controlled trials or studies with a measurement before and after intervention were considered. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Additionally, each study was graded using a modified grading scale based on GRADE.

Results

28 studies met the inclusion criteria. Patients suffered from different chronic conditions such as type 1 diabetes, solid organ transplantation, inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis. Interventions had different components such as transition checklists, workshops, web-based interventions, transition plans, joint visits or transition coordinators. Outcomes included mortality and morbidity. They varied according to chronic condition. Thirteen studies showed beneficial effects in the intervention group or in post-intervention measurements. The certainty of evidence was very low.

Conclusion

A considerable number of studies evaluating transition interventions was identified. Transition interventions had some beneficial effects. Workshops, joint visits and longer or multidisciplinary appointments may be particularly effective components. Transition guidelines could be based on these results. However, due to the limitations of the included studies it is difficult to draw firm conclusions. More research is needed to further evaluate the effectiveness of transition interventions. It should address the deficits identified from prior studies, such as poor study design, short follow-up time or small sample sizes.

Outcomes of Pediatric to Adult Health Care Transition Interventions: An Updated Systematic Review

PROBLEM

A previous systematic review found that health care transition (HCT) interventions result in positive outcomes related to population health, patient experience of care, and utilization. Since its publication, new national statistics, updated professional guidance, and a growing body of published literature on HCT have prompted the need for an updated systematic review that aims to examine outcomes of the latest pediatric-to-adult HCT interventions.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligible studies were published in English between May 2016 and December 2018, described HCT interventions for youth moving from pediatric to adult outpatient health care, quantitative in design, and peer-reviewed.

SAMPLE

Nineteen articles from a literature search of CINAHL, OVID Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science were included in this review.

RESULTS

All included studies examined youth with special health care needs. Most of the positive outcomes identified were related to population health, followed by improvements in utilization. All studies mentioned transfer assistance, most described transition planning supports, and almost half reported on integration into adult care.

CONCLUSIONS

This review strengthens the evidence that a structured HCT process for youth with special health care needs can show improvements in adherence to care, disease-specific measures, quality of life, self-care skills, satisfaction with care, health care utilization, and HCT process of care.

IMPLICATIONS

Future research studies should utilize interventions that incorporate all HCT components (planning, transfer, and integration) and assess provider experience of care as well as cost of care.