Smoothing the transition from pediatric to adult care: lessons learned

Area of Science:

• Medical Care
• Chronic Illness Management
• Pediatric to Adult Transition

Background:

• Increasing survival rates in cystic fibrosis (CF) have led to a growing adult CF population.
• Despite recognition of the need for age-appropriate care for chronic conditions like CF, the transition to adult care has been slow.
• Existing pediatric care models require adaptation for the unique needs of adults with CF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and challenges of adult care programs for cystic fibrosis (CF).
• To identify key features and lessons learned from successful CF care transition models.
• To explore the potential of the CF transition experience as a model for other chronic childhood-onset illnesses.

Main Methods:

• Review of the current state of adult care programs within the CF care network.
• Analysis of the role of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in program development.
• Identification of common essential components across different CF transition programs.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in establishing adult care programs for CF, with notable contributions from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
• The number of adult CF programs has increased, but many still face challenges and lack long-term stability.
• While no single transition method is universally optimal, common successful elements exist across CF centers.

Conclusions:

• The transition of patients from pediatric to adult care in CF is a complex process with no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Key common features contribute to effective transition programs for cystic fibrosis patients.
• The CF care transition model offers valuable insights and can serve as a template for managing other chronic conditions extending into adulthood.