Quantitative evaluation of a pediatric rheumatology transition program

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pediatric to Adult Transition Care
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare presents challenges for young individuals, risking care interruptions and disease exacerbation.
• Existing interventions include transition plans, specialized clinics, and coordinators, but quantitative outcome assessments are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a social worker-centered program in facilitating pediatric rheumatology patients' transition to adult care.
• To assess patient satisfaction with the social worker-led transition support.

Main Methods:

• A social worker engaged patients aged 16+ and families, providing education and developing individualized transition plans.
• The program facilitated appointments with adult rheumatologists and followed up on care continuity 6-8 months post-transfer.
• Patient satisfaction was measured via a questionnaire after initiating adult care.

Main Results:

• 42% of patients in the program successfully transitioned to adult care, compared to 23% of controls (p=0.002).
• 81% of participants expressed satisfaction with the transition process.
• The study involved 210 participants in the program and 26 controls.

Conclusions:

• A social worker transition coordinator significantly enhances successful transition rates for pediatric rheumatology patients to adult care.
• The social worker-led approach is well-received by patients, indicating high satisfaction with the transition support.