Leading contributors to success of transitional urology units

There is increasing recognition of the need for life-long care in patients who have congenital urological anomalies. This study looks at the factors surrounding transition and suggests those, which may improve the success.

One of the most challenging phases in this care is adolescence. There are the physical and psychological changes that all adolescents go through. Patients need medical surveillance through this time in order to ensure good care and patient safety. For affected patients there are other major challenges - first the relationship of their underlying condition, its treatment and the effect that either of these will have on their relationship with normality. The second big challenge is that in the midst of these changes our patients have to move from a paediatric to an adult centred environment.Transition is the term used to define the gradual shift of healthcare responsibility from the parents to the patient and all the factors above will affect this important time in life and care.

Transition can be a challenge to both patients and the healthcare team. The key to success is a strong multidisciplinary team to try and maintain patient engagement.