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The pediatric neurosurgical patient: the challenge of growing up

Harold L Rekate1

  • 1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA. neuropub@chw.edu

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|May 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Adults with spina bifida and hydrocephalus require lifelong care. Transitioning pediatric neurosurgical patients to adult care presents significant challenges, impacting coordinated management and long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Healthcare Transition

Background:

  • Lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions like spina bifida and hydrocephalus require ongoing management.
  • Pediatric-focused coordinated care models are not consistently available for adults.
  • Patients face challenges in accessing appropriate adult neurosurgical services post-pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the difficulties in transitioning pediatric neurosurgical patients to adult care.
  • To identify the reasons behind the lack of coordinated care for adults with neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • To examine the challenges in planning care transitions from pediatric to adult neurosurgery.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative exploration of care transition barriers.
  • Analysis of geographic variations in care coordination.
  • Review of existing transition planning strategies.

Main Results:

  • Care transition difficulties are complex and vary geographically.
  • Existing adult neurosurgical practices may not be equipped for complex pediatric cases.
  • Lack of standardized transition protocols hinders continuity of care.

Conclusions:

  • Effective transition planning is crucial for adults with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
  • Developing integrated pediatric-to-adult neurosurgical care pathways is essential.
  • Addressing systemic barriers is necessary to improve long-term outcomes for these patients.

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