[Continuity of care from pediatrician to general practitioner in Switzerland : a practical approach]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare transitions
• Adolescent medicine
• General practice integration

Context:

• The shift from pediatric to general practitioner (GP) care relies on established patient-provider trust.
• Adolescent informed consent and decision-making are enhanced by strong healthcare relationships.
• Swiss law permits minors to access medical files independently if deemed competent.

Purpose:

• To explore challenges and best practices in the transition of care from pediatricians to general practitioners for adolescents.
• To examine the implications of electronic health records on confidentiality and data sharing during this transition.
• To highlight strategies for maintaining continuity of care and trust for young patients.

Summary:

• A strong patient-provider relationship is fundamental for effective pediatric to general practitioner (GP) transitions.
• Electronic health records (EHRs) present potential confidentiality risks, including irrelevant data transmission and unauthorized parental access.
• A simple transmission file and dedicated visits can facilitate a smooth transition for adolescents, particularly those with special needs.

Impact:

• Informed consent and shared decision-making for children and adolescents are significantly improved by trusting healthcare provider relationships.
• Recommendations for managing electronic health records to protect adolescent confidentiality during care transitions.
• Emphasizes the importance of systematic transition planning and support for vulnerable young patients moving to general practice.