Priorities and Outcomes for Youth-Adult Transitions in Hospital Care: Perspectives of Inpatient Clinical Leaders at US Children's Hospitals

[Crossed perspectives on pediatrics to adult health care transition in Belgium]

In Belgium, there is not yet a standardized procedure for supporting the transition of patients with chronic diseases from pediatrics to adult health care. However, the field increasingly calls for the development of multidisciplinary landmarks. By crossing perspectives of a pediatrician, two psychologists and an ethicist, we propose the key elements of a successful transition: 1. Start preparing for the transition early; 2. Promote the patient's knowledge, know-how and interpersonal skills; 3. Improve continuity of care and collaboration between patient, family, healthcare teams, patient associations and families; 4. Support parents; 5. Improve the skills of healthcare teams in the specificities of adolescent medicine; 6. Individualize the transition, respecting each person's pace and uniqueness; 7. Develop an interdisciplinary approach of the transition; 8. Develop collaboration with public authorities, national and international experts; 9. Develop research on this emerging field of study.