An assessment of variables affecting transition readiness in pediatric rheumatology patients

Ready to leave? - Adolescents' and parents' perceptions of transition from paediatric to adult rheumatology care

BACKGROUND

In Sweden, approximately 2000 children live with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). About half of them continue to have an active disease and need to transfer to adult rheumatology care. This study aimed to investigate Swedish adolescents' and parents´ perceptions of readiness for transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.

METHODS

The study was a cross-sectional quantitative study. Patients at the pediatric rheumatology clinic at a university hospital in Sweden and members of The Swedish National Organization for Young Rheumatics aged 14-18 and their parents were invited to participate in the study. Data was collected with the Readiness for Transition Questionnaire (RTQ) focusing on adolescents' transition readiness, adolescents' healthcare behaviors and responsibility, and parental involvement. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Comparative analyses were made using non-parametric tests with significance levels of 0.05 as well as factor analyses and logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 106 adolescents (85 girls, 20 boys) and 96 parents answering the RTQ. The analysis revealed that many adolescents and parents experienced that the adolescents were ill-prepared to take over responsibility for several healthcare behaviors, such as booking specialty care appointments, calling to renew prescriptions and communicating with medical staff on phone and to transfer to adult care. Parents and adolescents alike stated that it was especially difficult for the adolescents to take responsibility for healthcare behaviors meaning that the adolescents had to have direct interaction with the healthcare professionals (HCPs) at the paediatric rheumatology clinic, for example to renew prescriptions. It was evident that the adolescents who perceived they were ready to take responsibility for the aspects related to direct interaction with HCPs were more overall ready to be transferred to adult care.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents need more support to feel prepared to transfer to adult care. With the results from this study, we can develop, customize, and optimize transitional care programs in Sweden for adolescents.

Perspectives of Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease and Clinicians on Improving Transition Readiness With a Video Game Intervention

We aimed to learn the experiences of clinicians and adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease (AYA-SCD) with managing their disease at home and making medical decisions as they transition from pediatric to adult care, and their perceptions of a video game intervention to positively impact these skills. We conducted individual, semistructured interviews with patients (AYA-SCD ages 15 to 26 years) and clinicians who provide care to AYA-SCD at an urban, quaternary-care hospital. Interviews elicited patients' and clinicians' experiences with AYA-SCD, barriers and facilitators to successful home management, and their perspectives on shared decision-making and a video game intervention. To identify themes, we conducted an inductive analysis until data saturation was reached. Participants (16 patients and 21 clinicians) identified 4 main themes: (1) self-efficacy as a critical skill for a successful transition from pediatric to adult care, (2) the importance of patient engagement in making medical decisions, (3) multilevel determinants of optimal self-efficacy and patient engagement, and (4) support for a video game intervention which, by targeting potential determinants of AYA-SCD achieving optimal self-efficacy and engagement in decision-making, may improve these important skills.

Social and Structural Drivers of Health and Transition to Adult Care

CONTEXT

Youth with chronic health conditions experience challenges during their transition to adult care. Those with marginalized identities likely experience further disparities in care as they navigate structural barriers throughout transition.

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aims to identify the social and structural drivers of health (SSDOH) associated with outcomes for youth transitioning to adult care, particularly those who experience structural marginalization, including Black, Indigenous, and 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and others youth.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from earliest available date to May 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Primary research studying the association between SSDOH and transition outcomes were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

SSDOH were subcategorized as social drivers, structural drivers, and demographic characteristics. Transition outcomes were classified into themes. Associations between SSDOH and outcomes were assessed according to their statistical significance and were categorized into significant (P < .05), nonsignificant (P > .05), and unclear significance.

RESULTS

101 studies were included, identifying 12 social drivers (childhood environment, income, education, employment, health literacy, insurance, geographic location, language, immigration, food security, psychosocial stressors, and stigma) and 5 demographic characteristics (race and ethnicity, gender, illness type, illness severity, and comorbidity). No structural drivers were studied. Gender was significantly associated with communication, quality of life, transfer satisfaction, transfer completion, and transfer timing, and race and ethnicity with appointment keeping and transfer completion.

LIMITATIONS

Studies were heterogeneous and a meta-analysis was not possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender and race and ethnicity are associated with inequities in transition outcomes. Understanding these associations is crucial in informing transition interventions and mitigating health inequities.

Improving the use of transition readiness measures in research and clinical care

Measurement of transition readiness is considered a crucial component of effective transition. It is included as one of the Six Core Elements of Transition in national transitional care guidelines. However, the current measures of transition readiness have not been found to correlate with either current or future health outcomes for youth. In addition, there are challenges in measuring transition readiness in youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who may not be expected to achieve skills and knowledge that are considered essential for transition in typically developing youth. These concerns make it difficult to know how best to use transition readiness measures in research and clinical care. This article highlights the appeal of measuring transition readiness in clinical and research contexts, the current barriers that prevent us from fully achieving those benefits, and potential strategies for bridging the gap. IMPACT: Transition readiness measures were developed as an attempt to identify those patients who were ready to successfully navigate the transition from pediatric to adult health care. Thus far, the measures that have been developed do not appear to be related to health outcomes such as disease control or timely attendance of the first adult appointment in adult care. We provide suggestions for how to address the current concerns with the available transition readiness measures.

Age of Transition Readiness of Adolescents and Young Adults With Chronic Diseases in Oman: Need an Urgent Revisit

BACKGROUND

The Ministry of Health in Oman and some of Gulf regions set the cut-off age of "transfer" from child health care to adult health care at 13 years of age. Within the existing health system in this part of the world, there is paucity of evidence on the appropriate age for health care "transfer" of adolescents and young adults to adult health care. Similarly, there is lack of a structured health care "transition" program. The objective of the study is to indirectly determine the appropriateness of present cut-off age of transfer by studying readiness for transition among Omani patients suffering from chronic hematological conditions.

METHODS

One hundred fifty adolescents and young adults with chronic hematological conditions were recruited from pediatric and adults clinics at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Participants were interviewed by a trained research assistant using the Arabic version of UNC TRxANSITION Scale to assess self-management skills and health related knowledge for transition. The score range is 0 to 10; the transition readiness of the patients is assessed as low (0 to 4), moderate (4 to 6), and high (6 to 10) respectively. The continuous variables were analyzed by parametric or nonparametric methods as appropriate. χ2 analysis was done to determine association of age groups within each sexes.

RESULTS

The study recruited 150 subjects (52.7% males) with 50 patients in each of the 3 age groups of 10 to 13 years (lower), 14 to 17 years (middle), and 18 to 21years (higher). The mean UNC TRxANSITION Scale scores of 5.14 (SD=1.27) in males in the total sample were significantly lower as compared with that of 5.67 (SD=1.50) in females (P=0.022). There is a steady increase in the overall median score with increase in age group, with median score of 4.42 in the lower, 5.26 in the middle and 6.81 in the higher age group (P<0.001). In section wise analysis, except for Adherence and Nutrition sections of the scale, all sections have statistically significant difference in the median scores across various age categories with lowest scores in the 10 to 13 age group and highest scores in the 18 to 21 years group. In the section related to reproduction, females had significantly higher mean ranks (31.52) and compared with 17.19 in males (P=0.001). The overall median transition score when analyzed separately for males and females across age groups showed that in the higher age group, 67% of males (P=0.008) and 90% females (P<0.001) have high transition scores compared with the other 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher age was a significant predictor for transition readiness with median score being "moderate" in the lower and middle age groups, while the higher age groups scoring "high" on transition readiness. However, in the higher age group, the females (90%) showed better transition readiness than males (67%). The current age of transfer of 13 years is just at "moderate" levels. We recommend the need for establishing transition preparation program in Oman; increasing health transfer age in Oman to a cut-off age of 18 years and taking sex differences into consideration when providing interventions.

Transition readiness in adolescents and young adults with chronic rheumatic disease in Oman: today's needs and future challenges

INTRODUCTION

In Oman, the ""transition" of health care of adolescents to adult care occurs at a young age, like many other GCC countries for cultural reasons. In order to address this concern, this study was conducted to determine the transition readiness skills of adolescents and young adults with childhood onset rheumatic diseases using a cross-cultural adaptation of the UNC TRxANSITION scale.

METHODS

We used a professionally translated/back translated, provider-administered UNC TR_xANSITION Scale. This 32-question scale measures HCT in 10 domains including knowledge about diagnosis or treatment, diet, reproductive health, school/work, insurance, ability to self-manage and identification of new health providers. The maximum transitional score of 10, was categorized as low (1-4), moderate (4 - 7) and high (7 -10) transitional readiness scores.

RESULTS

We enrolled 81 Omani adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic childhood onset rheumatic diseases. The cohort consisted of 79% females, with mean age of 15.8 years (± 3.53) and mean disease duration of 6.95 years (± 4.83). Our cohort's overall mean score is low 5.22 (±1.68). Only 14.8% of the cohort achieved a high transition score (≥7). Significant direct relationship was observed between age and the mean transition readiness score (r = .533, P < .001). The mean transition readiness score in the younger age group (10-13 years) was 4.07 (±1.29), the middle age group (14-18 years) was 5.43 (±1.27), while the older age group (19-21 year), was 6.12 (±1.81). Mean transition score of youngest age group was found to be significantly lower than the other two age groups (p = .003).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the transition readiness of AYA in Oman is low compared to other western countries indicating the need to initiate a health care transition preparation program for patients with chronic diseases across the country. In addition, we need to establish regional guidelines to address the transfer and transition policies to be in line to international recommendations. As transition continues after transfer, and is preferably guided by adolescent developmental status rather than chronological age, it would be preferable to refer to the transition and transfer policies 9rather than transitional age policy) to be in line to international recommendations.

Transition readiness assessment in adolescents and young adults with rheumatic diseases: The Singapore experience

BACKGROUND

Transition from pediatric to adult care is a challenging time for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with rheumatic diseases. Validated tools have been developed to assess transition readiness.

AIM

To evaluate transition readiness among AYA with rheumatic diseases and to identify factors associated with transition readiness.

METHODS

Patients ≥15 years old were enrolled into our transition program and administered a Transition Readiness Assessment Tool (TRAT) from July 2017. The TRAT consists of 3 components: (a) patient's perception on importance of transition and confidence toward transition on a Likert scale 0-10; (b) assessment of knowledge on medical and healthcare usage using a set of 23 questions; (c) transition readiness using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). Differences between groups were compared to identify factors associated with transition readiness.

RESULTS

Transition readiness assessment was performed in 152 patients. The median score for perception on transition importance was 7.0 (5.0-8.8) and the median score for confidence in transition was 7.0 (5.0-9.0). Majority of the patients (>50%) lack knowledge in health insurance, carrying health information, healthcare privacy changes and making own healthcare decision. Patients <20 years old were also deficient in knowledge in navigating healthcare systems. TRAQ scores were lowest in areas pertaining to healthcare insurance and obtaining financial help.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare insurance literacy and self-management skills were lacking in the assessment of transition readiness in AYA with rheumatic diseases. Targeted intervention in these areas will improve transition readiness and promote successful transition processes.

Transition readiness in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their parents: Our single-center experience

Objectives

We aimed to identify characteristics of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients associated with good self-management skills in the transition readiness process and to investigate the readiness of JIA patients and their families for the transition into the adult healthcare system.

Patients and methods

Between March 2021 and June 2021, a total of 44 JIA patients (9 males, 35 females; median age: 15.1 years; range, 12.3 to 19.3 years) admitted to the pediatric rheumatology outpatient and inpatient clinics and their parents were included. Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was cross-culturally adapted. The TRAQ was administered to all JIA patients and their parents at one point. Demographic and clinical data were collected.

Results

Fourteen (31.8%) of 44 JIA patients had a concomitant disease, while 10 (22.7%) of them had uveitis. Eleven (25%) of them had a family history of autoimmune diseases. In total, 21 (47.7%) of JIA patients were receiving biologics. There was a strong correlation between older age and total TRAQ scores among patients (ρ=0.799, p<0.001) and a moderate correlation between older patient age and total TRAQ scores among parents (ρ=0.522, p<0.001). Patient and parent total TRAQ scores were strongly correlated (ρ=0.653, p<0.001). There was no significant association of JIA patient characteristics (JIA disease subtypes, disease duration, gender, concomitant diseases, uveitis, family history of autoimmune diseases, number of hospitalizations, and treatment with biologics) with TRAQ scores and JIA patients' and parents' readiness for transition.

Conclusion

Transition readiness of JIA patients increases with advancing age. There is no significant difference between transition readiness for JIA patients and their parents.

Exploring Health Literacy, Transition Readiness, and Healthcare Utilization in Medicaid Chronically Ill Youth

PURPOSE

Youths with special healthcare needs face challenges transitioning from pediatric to adult health care. Understanding possible mechanisms contributing to poor healthcare transition could improve care. This study explores associations between health literacy (HL), transition readiness, and healthcare utilization.

METHODS

Youths with special healthcare needs aged 12-18 years were recruited from a Medicaid accountable care organization (2012-2017). Outcome measures included transition readiness (Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire), and healthcare utilization (any well-check, hospitalization, emergency department [ED] visit, or ambulatory sensitive condition ED visit). Multivariate regression analyses examined whether HL (adequate vs. inadequate) predicted outcomes, after adjusting for covariates. Models were then created to examine whether the effect of HL on healthcare utilization was mediated by transition readiness.

RESULTS

Among 417 youths with special healthcare needs, 67.1% reported adequate HL. Relative to inadequate HL, teens with adequate HL had significantly higher average Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire-20 scores (β = .34, p < .001). Controlling for covariates, HL was a significant predictor of having an ambulatory sensitive condition ED visit and having any ED visits neared significance. There was a positive transition readiness mediation effect on having an ED visit, with higher transition readiness being associated with higher odds of having any ED visit in the mediation analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

HL is independently associated with higher transition readiness and lower ambulatory sensitive condition ED use, but pathways of action require further study.

Addressing Healthcare Quality in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis With a Universal Access Program

In this issue of The Journal of Rheumatology, Concha, et al ¹ describe the effects of the implementation, in 2010, of a national, legally mandated universal access program (Explicit Health Guarantees [GES]) for guaranteed juvenile idiopathic arthritis ( JIA) diagnosis and treatment in Chile. The GES program guarantees that evaluation by a specialist takes place less than 30 days after referral from primary care, and that treatment must start no later than 7 days after confirmation of diagnosis.

Assessing preparation for care transition among adolescents with rheumatologic disease: a single-center assessment with patient survey

BACKGROUND

Despite the risk for poor outcomes and gaps in care in the transfer from pediatric to adult care, most pediatric rheumatology centers lack formal transition pathways. As a first step in designing a pathway, we evaluated preparation for transition in a single-center cohort of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with rheumatologic conditions using the ADolescent Assessment of Preparation for Transition (ADAPT) survey.

FINDINGS

AYA most frequently endorsed receiving counseling on taking charge of their health and remembering to take medications. Less than half reported receiving specific counseling about transferring to an adult provider. AYA with lower education attainment compared with those who had attended some college or higher had lower scores in self-management (1.51 vs 2.52, p = 0.0002), prescription medication counseling (1.96 vs 2.41, p = 0.029), and transfer planning (0.27 vs 1.62, p < 0.001). AYA with a diagnosis of MCTD, Sjögren's or SLE had higher self-management scores than those with other diagnoses (2.6 vs 1.9; p = 0.048). Non-white youth indicated receiving more thorough medication counseling than white youth (2.71 vs 2.07, p = 0.027). When adjusting for age, educational attainment remained an independent predictor of transfer planning (p = 0.037). AYA with longer duration of seeing their physician had higher transition preparation scores (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Few AYA endorsed receiving comprehensive transition counseling, including discussion of transfer planning. Those who were younger and with lower levels of education had lower preparation scores. A long-term relationship with providers was associated with higher scores. Further research, including longitudinal assessment of transition preparation, is needed to evaluate effective processes to assist vulnerable populations.

Transition Readiness in Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective

The transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care represents a particularly vulnerable time for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Improving self‐management skills is important in optimizing health care transition. The study’s objectives were to 1) examine variability in transition readiness of adolescents and young adults within and between different ages, sexes, and disease types; 2) determine the association between age and transition readiness; and 3) identify specific challenges to transition readiness for adolescents.

Methods

Over 1 year, patients 14 to 20 years of age with JIA or cSLE were recruited from pediatric transition and young adult clinics at a single academic institution. Participants completed the 14‐item Transition‐Q at a single time point. Total scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate greater health care self‐management skills as a proxy for transition readiness. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and Transition‐Q scores for the population. Regression analyses determined the association between age, sex, and disease type and Transition‐Q score.

Results

Among 70 participants, 61 had JIA and 9 cSLE (mean disease duration 4.6 years). The mean (SD) total Transition‐Q score was 59.8 (14.9). Age was significantly associated with Transition‐Q score (standardized β = 0.372l P = 0.002). The most commonly reported challenges were seeing the physician alone (without parents), making one’s own appointments, picking up prescriptions, and independent transportation for appointments.

Conclusion

Transition readiness appears to increase with patient age. There is significant variability in Transition‐Q scores between patients of the same age, suggesting that an individualized approach to improving self‐management skills is necessary.

Patients' attitudes and experiences of transition from paediatric to adult healthcare in rheumatology: a qualitative systematic review

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe patients' attitudes and experiences of transition from paediatric to adult healthcare in rheumatology to inform patient-centred transitional care programmes.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL to August 2019 and used thematic synthesis to analyse the findings.

RESULTS

From 26 studies involving 451 people with juvenile-onset rheumatic conditions we identified six themes: a sense of belonging (comfort in familiarity, connectedness in shared experiences, reassurance in being with others of a similar age, desire for normality and acceptance); preparedness for sudden changes (confidence through guided introductions to the adult environment, rapport from continuity of care, security in a reliable point of contact, minimizing lifestyle disruptions); abandonment and fear of the unknown (abrupt and forced independence, ill-equipped to hand over medical information, shocked by meeting adults with visible damage and disability, vulnerability in the loss of privacy); anonymous and dismissed in adult care (deprived of human focus, sterile and uninviting environment, disregard of debilitating pain and fatigue); quest for autonomy (controlled and patronized in the paediatric environment, liberated from the authority of others, freedom to communicate openly); and tensions in parental involvement (overshadowed by parental presence, guilt of excluding parents, reluctant withdrawal of parental support).

CONCLUSION

Young people feel dismissed, abandoned, ill-prepared and out of control during transition. However, successful transition can be supported by preparing for changes, creating a sense of belonging and negotiating parental involvement and autonomy. Incorporating patient-identified priorities into transitional services may improve satisfaction and outcomes in young people with juvenile-onset rheumatic conditions.

The readiness of pediatric rheumatology patients and their parents to transition to adult-oriented treatment

INTRODUCTION

Transition is a planned process of pediatric patients from child-centered to adult-oriented treatment. Transitional care for patients with chronic diseases is essential. The present study aimed to evaluate the readiness of patients with rheumatic diseases and their parents for transition process.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional, single-center study. All patients and their parents were questioned about their awareness of and willingness to undergo transitional care. Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was applied to all the participants. TRAQ is a tool for measuring readiness for transitional care in adolescents with chronic diseases. TRAQ includes 20 items that are divided into 2 domains: self-management and self-advocacy.

RESULTS

A total of 157 (87 girls/70 boys) patients and their parents were enrolled. Of them 64 were diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever, 52 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 21 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 20 with Behçet's disease. The median age of the patients was 16 years (15-18). However, all patients and parents accepted that transition to adult-oriented care is necessary; only one-third of them were aware about transitional care. Eighty (50.9%) patients and 147 (93.6%) of the parents stated that they were wishing to continue pediatric rheumatology treatment. The mean TRAQ self-management domain and self-advocacy domain total scores in the patients were 1.76 ± 0.51 and 1.72 ± 0.49, respectively (P = .48). The mean TRAQ total score was not different between patients and parents. When we assessed the factors affecting transition process, the TRAQ score was lower among patients with active disease, and requiring hospitalization during the previous year.

CONCLUSION

Assessment od the readiness of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases for transition care will increase the awareness of patients and their parents as well, and provide determination of the optimal time for transition.

Shifting the mindset-adolescent and young adult rheumatology in transition

Almost 30 years have passed since publication of the first reports acknowledging the crucial importance of transitional care for adolescents and young adults with chronic disease, but universal implementation has yet to be achieved. Progress has undoubtedly been made, with increasing evidence for best practice in transitional care. However, translation of research and guidance into clinical practice continues to be challenging. Neuroscience advances in understanding the changes occurring in the adolescent brain demand that the third phase of transition (ie, post-transfer to adult services) is given further attention, with recognition that transfer itself is not the end of the transition process. The complex, often unwieldy health systems delivering care must also be considered. Paediatric and adult rheumatology practitioners need to collaborate not only with each other, but also with practitioners in other disciplines, specialties, and agencies, to plan and commission rheumatology services that are responsive to adolescents and young adults. A shift in approach from focusing on health transition towards developmentally appropriate health care has the potential to improve the care provided during this vulnerable life stage, increasing the likelihood of continuing engagement of patients in their own health care into adulthood and thereby improving health outcomes.

A Systematic Review of Transition Readiness in Youth with Chronic Disease

The transition of chronically ill adolescents and young adults to adult health care is poorly managed, leading to poor outcomes due to insufficient disease knowledge and a lack of requisite skills to self-manage their chronic disease. This review analyzed 33 articles published between 2009 and 2019 to identify factors associated with transition readiness in adolescents and young adults with chronic diseases, which can be used to design effective interventions. Studies were predominantly cross-sectional survey designs that were guided by interdisciplinary research teams, assessed adolescents and young adults ages 12-26 years, and conducted in the outpatient setting. Modifiable factors, including psychosocial and self-management/transition education factors, and non-modifiable factors, including demographic/ecological and disease factors, associated with transition readiness were identified. Further research is necessary to address gaps identified in this review prior to intervention development, and there is a need for additional longitudinal studies designed to provide perspective on how transition readiness changes over time.

Transitional Care in Rheumatology: a Review of the Literature from the Past 5 Years

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Effective transitional care for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (RMD) is fundamental to rheumatology care provision. Here we review the recent evidence from the literature on transition in rheumatology and debate why universal implementation has yet to be recognised.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence of need for transitional care continues to be reported. The triphasic nature of transitional care remains poorly recognised, and the third phase following transfer to adult rheumatology is particularly under-researched in spite of the recognition of the age-related trajectories of transition skill development during young adulthood. Several rheumatology-specific transitional care interventions have now been evaluated but the search for valid measures including outcome continues. Finally, the need to study transition at a health system level is increasingly recognised. Future research in this area should consider the developmental trajectories of AYA as well as the social-ecological model of transition readiness, which focuses on the interactions between AYA, caregivers and providers (and the systems they are part of) as these are the likely targets of any intervention to improve health transitions.

Healthcare Transition Readiness, Family Support, and Self-management Competency in Korean Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE

The current study investigated factors related to healthcare transition readiness, including family support and self-management competency, in emerging adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 87 individuals, aged 16-24 years. Participants were recruited both from the outpatient clinic of Severance Children's Hospital, and an online self-help group for emerging adults with T1DM in South Korea. Participants reported perceived levels of family support, self-management competency, and healthcare transition readiness through a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

Healthcare transition readiness was positively correlated with family support (r = 0.257, p = .016) and self-management competency (r = 0.606, p < .001). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that only self-management competency was a significant factor associated with healthcare transition readiness (β = 0.699, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

For emerging adults with T1DM, ongoing family involvement in diabetes care and enhanced self-management competency can strengthen their healthcare transition readiness. Furthermore, primary factors associated with healthcare transition readiness in the present study were identified as self-management competency and participants' age.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare providers should assess and enhance healthcare transition readiness in emerging adults with T1DM. A primary method of addressing transition readiness is helping people strengthen their self-management competency.

How Do Health Literacy, Numeric Competencies, and Patient Activation Relate to Transition Readiness in Adolescents and Young Adults With Rheumatic Diseases?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how demographics, health literacy, numeracy, and patient activation are related to transition readiness in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and to describe how parent/guardian (PG) performance on these metrics predicts AYA patients' transition readiness.

METHODS

In this single center, cross-sectional study, consecutive English-speaking AYA patients ages 17-21 years and PGs were recruited from outpatient rheumatology clinics. Participants completed the following self-reported instruments: demographic questionnaire, Short Test of Fundamental Health Literacy, Objective Numeracy Scale, Subjective Numeracy Scale, Symbolic-number mapping, Patient Activation Measure, and Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ; AYA patients only).

RESULTS

Ninety-one AYA patients participated in the study, of whom 64 of 91 (70%) had juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and 54 PGs. Mean ± SD TRAQ score was 4.0 ± 0.65, correlating with "I am starting to do this" stage of change. Most participants (98%) had adequate health literacy. Multivariable regression analysis showed that AYA patients of female sex, older age, and higher patient activation significantly predicted higher TRAQ scores (P < 0.05). No PG characteristics were linked to higher AYA patient TRAQ scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Transition readiness in AYA patients as measured by TRAQ is associated with female sex, older age, and higher patient activation. Though sex and age are nonmodifiable, interventions to boost patient activation represent a promising opportunity to improve transition readiness and outcomes.

Association of youth health care transition readiness to role overload among parents of children with chronic illness

BACKGROUND

A parent's level of role overload, a situation in which the demands of an individual's roles are beyond their capacity to perform adequately, has been associated with poor outcomes in adolescents. It is unknown if role overload in parents is associated with less health care transition (HCT) readiness in their children with chronic conditions. We sought to assess this relationship.

METHODS

Youth with chronic conditions attending a therapeutic camp and their parents completed online consents/assents and de-identified surveys. Parents reported on parental role overload using the Reilly Role Overload Scale and a proxy assessment of the youth's HCT readiness using the STAR_x -Parent Questionnaire. Youth self-reported on their HCT readiness using the STAR_x Questionnaire. Linear regression measured the relationship between parent role overload and HCT readiness, controlling for youth's age, sex, and degree of youth's educational support.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-two parents and 50 youth completed the measures. Greater parental role overload was associated with less overall HCT readiness on the parent proxy measure (β = -.12, P ≤ .008) and a lower level in the self-management domain on the parent proxy measure (β = -.20, P ≤ .001). We found no associations between parent role overload and youth self-report of HCT readiness.

CONCLUSION

Parent's level of role overload had no association with youth's self-report of HCT readiness but was negatively associated with parent proxy report of their youth's HCT readiness, suggesting that parents with high levels of role overload may perceive their youth as less ready to transition to adult-focused care.

Transition of pediatric patients with an Auto-inflammatory Disease: an alternative version of the Daedaulus and Icarus myth

Progress in the pediatric Auto-inflammatory Diseases (AIDs) has led to improved long-term outcome and the increased pool of pediatric patients who require lifelong monitoring. Implementation of a successful stepwise transition in patients with AIDs denotes the presence of a structured flexible and individualized policy that ensues the stepwise move from family-based pediatric care to adult patient one. This process aims to equip the young adult with self-management skills and the ability to enjoy life even under the burden of a chronic disease. Transition, thus, is a continuously evolutionary process that assists adolescents and young adults with an AID to move into a future that their predecessors with similar diseases never needed to experience. This review, using the myth of Daedalus and Icarus as a scaffold, presents the contemporary profile of the adolescent patient, comments on the evidence derived from Transition recommendations, and emphasizes the need of periodic quantitative assessments to assess the efficacy of the Transition plan. Upon the completion of the transfer to the Adult Center, monitoring of the patient’s active participation will support his/her engagement in the new setting.

Transition and transfer of the patient with paediatric-onset lupus: a practical approach for paediatric and adult rheumatology practices

The prevalence of paediatric-onset SLE (pSLE) is estimated at 1million people worldwide and accounts for a significant proportion of SLE morbidity, mortality and cost. Patients with pSLE are especially vulnerable during and immediately following transfer from paediatric to adult rheumatology care, when substantial delays in care and increased disease activity are common. Transition is the process through which adolescents and young adults (AYA) develop the skills needed to succeed in the adult healthcare environment, a process that typically takes several years and may span a patient's time in paediatric and adult clinics. Recommendations for improving transition and transfer for AYA with pSLE include setting expectations of the AYA patient and family concerning transition and transfer, developing AYA's self-management skills, preparing an individualised transition plan that identifies a date for transfer, transferring at a time of medical and social stability, coordinating communication between the paediatric and adult rheumatologists (inclusive of both a medical summary and key social factors), and identifying a transition coordinator as a point person for care transfer and to monitor the AYA's arrival and retention in adult rheumatology care. Of paramount importance is empowering the adult rheumatologist with skills that enhance rapport with AYA patients, engage AYA patients and families in adult care models, promote adherence and encourage ongoing development of self-management skills.

Successful implementation of a clinical transition pathway for adolescents with juvenile-onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

BACKGROUND

In 2008 a clinical transition pathway for young people with juvenile-onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (jRMD) aiming at improving transitional care was instituted. Historical data on drop-out rate in our clinic was 35%, one year before the implementation of the transition pathway. This study aims to I) evaluate the effectiveness of the clinical transition pathway, II) evaluate the experiences and satisfaction of YP with the transitional process and evaluate their perceived self-management skills.

METHODS

Young people with any jRMD transferred from the pediatric to the adult rheumatology department in our academic center were eligible to enroll in this quantitative cross-sectional observational study between 2009 and 2015. Notably in 2012, we created a dedicated adolescent JIA-clinic, located at the adult rheumatology department. Electronic patient records from all young people that were transferred between 2009 and 2015 were reviewed for drop-out of care. Young people were asked to rate a VAS for 'satisfaction with transition' and to complete the "on your own feet transfer experience scale" (OYOF-TES)-questionnaire regarding their experiences and satisfaction with transition. Self-management skills were measured with the "on your own feet self-efficacy scale" (OYOF-SES)-questionnaire.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-four young people were transferred to the adult department, of which 76 were transferred to the dedicated adolescent JIA-clinic. The mean age at transfer was 17.8 years for YP transferred to the adult clinic and 15.2 years for transfer to the adolescent clinic. Drop-out of care rate one year after transfer was 5.1% in the adult clinic and 1.3% in the adolescent JIA-clinic. Response rate of the returned questionnaires was 61% for the adolescent JIA clinic and 36% for the adult clinic. There was no difference between responders and non-responders in demographics and disease type besides age (non-responders were significantly younger). Young people transferred to the adult and adolescent JIA-clinic both had high scores on the satisfaction scale (7.7 and 7.5 on the VAS-scale and 72.0 and 74.5 on the OYOF-TES). Self-efficacy scores were high for both groups, with OYOF-SES 59.7 for those transferred to the adult clinic and 58.2 for those transferred to the adolescent JIA-clinic.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the clinical transition pathway has led to a substantial improvement of patient care during the transitional process leading to low drop-out of care rate and high scores on satisfaction with transition. High scores on the self-reported self-efficacy scale suggests confidence of young people to have achieved sufficient skills to successfully manage their disease.

[Impact of transition readiness on quality of life in children with chronic diseases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the current quality of life in children with chronic diseases, and to explore the impact of transition readiness on quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 332 children with chronic diseases from two children's hospitals in Shanghai, China were enrolled. A self-designed demographic questionnaire, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQLTM 4.0), and Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx=Treatment (STARx) Questionnaire were used to evaluate transition readiness and quality of life.

RESULTS

The children with chronic diseases had a significantly lower total quality of life score than the national norm (74.66±15.85 vs 81.81±12.03; P<0.001). Doctor-patient communication and health care responsibilities (the child's abilities to take care of himself/herself and adaptation to the process of diagnosis and treatment from childhood to adulthood) were positively correlated with the scores on each dimension of quality of life (P<0.05). Duration of disease, time of absence from school within six months, and the number of types of drugs taken orally were negatively correlated with the total quality of life score (rs=-0.172, -0.236, and -0.280; P<0.05). The residence (urban or rural area), monthly family income, parents' educational level, and father's occupation had significant influence on children's quality of life (P<0.05). The hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that doctor-patient communication and health care responsibilities led to a 14.3% increase in the explanation of the total variation in quality of life (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Quality of life is not satisfactory in children with chronic diseases. Two domains of transition readiness, namely the abilities to communicate with health providers and health care responsibilities, are major factors influencing quality of life in these children.

[Impact of transition readiness on quality of life in children with chronic diseases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the current quality of life in children with chronic diseases, and to explore the impact of transition readiness on quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 332 children with chronic diseases from two children's hospitals in Shanghai, China were enrolled. A self-designed demographic questionnaire, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL^TM 4.0), and Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx=Treatment (STARx) Questionnaire were used to evaluate transition readiness and quality of life.

RESULTS

The children with chronic diseases had a significantly lower total quality of life score than the national norm (74.66±15.85 vs 81.81±12.03; P<0.001). Doctor-patient communication and health care responsibilities (the child's abilities to take care of himself/herself and adaptation to the process of diagnosis and treatment from childhood to adulthood) were positively correlated with the scores on each dimension of quality of life (P<0.05). Duration of disease, time of absence from school within six months, and the number of types of drugs taken orally were negatively correlated with the total quality of life score (r_s=-0.172, -0.236, and -0.280; P<0.05). The residence (urban or rural area), monthly family income, parents' educational level, and father's occupation had significant influence on children's quality of life (P<0.05). The hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that doctor-patient communication and health care responsibilities led to a 14.3% increase in the explanation of the total variation in quality of life (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Quality of life is not satisfactory in children with chronic diseases. Two domains of transition readiness, namely the abilities to communicate with health providers and health care responsibilities, are major factors influencing quality of life in these children.

Associates of Engagement in Adult-Oriented Follow-Up Care for Childhood Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE

Understanding how to predict appropriate uptake of adult-oriented medical care is important for adult patients with pediatric-onset chronic health conditions with continued health vulnerability. We examined associates of engagement in adult survivors of childhood cancer following transfer to adult-oriented care.

METHODS

Adult survivors of childhood cancer (N = 80), within 1-5 years post transfer from pediatric to adult-oriented follow-up care, completed assessments of engagement with recommended adult-oriented follow-up care and psychosocial and transition readiness measures. Measures were validated with adolescent and young adults and/or intended to measure readiness to transition to adult care.

RESULTS

Earlier age at diagnosis, parental involvement in health care decision-making, higher motivation, and increased comfort speaking to providers about health concerns were significantly associated with attendance at adult-oriented follow-up care visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Associates of engagement in adult care are complex, representing social-ecological variables. Current measures of transition readiness or adolescent and young adult health-related measures may not adequately capture the associates of engagement in care or identify targets of intervention to promote successful transfer of care. Identifying patients at risk for loss to follow-up will be useful to design interventions for young adult survivors of childhood cancer and other young adults with pediatric-onset chronic conditions who require ongoing adult-oriented care.