Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions in the SHIP-deficient Mouse Model of Crohn Disease-like Ileitis and Fibrosis
Published on: October 14, 2025
Current Transition Practices in Pediatric IBD: Findings from a National Survey of Pediatric Providers
Wendy N Gray1, Michele H Maddux
1*Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama; and †Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences and Division of Gastroenterology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.
Insights
Pediatric providers report significant variation in transition care for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most face barriers, highlighting the need for standardized, evidence-based transition programming to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Transition to adult care
- Chronic illness management
Background:
- Published guidelines exist for general chronic illness and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) transition to adult care.
- Current transition practices in IBD care are not well understood.
- This study characterizes transition practices from a national sample of US pediatric providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current transition practices in pediatric IBD care.
- To identify barriers and challenges in transition programming.
- To determine desired resources for improving transition services.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 141 pediatric providers.
- The survey assessed transition practices, barriers, and resource needs.
- Data characterized current transition programming in IBD.
Main Results:
- Practices varied widely regarding discussion timing, transfer age, and patient support.
- Most providers (75.9%) used objective readiness assessments.
- Guideline knowledge was limited, few had written policies (14.2%), and 99.3% reported barriers.
Conclusions:
- Variability in IBD transition programming reflects its emerging nature.
- Understanding current practices can inform future programming development.
- Evidence-based practices for transition to adult care are needed.
Background:
Although practice guidelines have been published for transition to adult care among general chronic illness populations and specific to pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little is known about current transition practices in IBD care. This study presents data characterizing current transition practices as reported by a national sample of pediatric providers in the United States.
Methods:
One hundred forty-one pediatric providers completed an online survey designed to assess current transition practices, barriers and challenges to developing and maintaining transition programming, and desired resources to improve transition services.
Results:
Practices varied greatly in terms of when providers begin discussing transition and transfer, age at transfer to adult care, and patient supports provided to facilitate transition. Multiple disciplines were often involved in transition programming and 75.9% reported using objective assessment of patient transition readiness. Knowledge and application of published transition practice guidelines was limited, and few respondents reported having a written transition policy at their institution (14.2%). 99.3% of respondents reported barriers to their transition programming efforts. Additional time and instrumental supports were the most common desired resources to support transition efforts.
Conclusions:
Variability in IBD transition programming, practices, and policies reflect the emerging nature of clinical practice in this area. Understanding the current state of transition programming can inform future programming. Efforts to identify evidence-based practices in transition to adult care are needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...