Pediatric residents' attitudes and practice patterns regarding transition to adult-oriented care

Most youth with chronic illness will survive into adulthood. The complexity of the medical history and care in these patients necessitates a well-planned and coordinated transition over several years as they move from pediatric to adult-oriented health care.

We assessed pediatric residents' practice patterns and attitudes regarding transition communication by administering a survey about transition to pediatric, combined internal medicine-pediatrics, pediatric neurology, and combined psychiatry-child psychiatry-pediatric residents.

Among 110 residents who were contacted, 66 completed the survey, for a response rate of 61%. Surveyed residents report discussing transition with their patients when their patients are age 18 or older, when guidelines suggest a discussion should begin around age 12. Most residents felt that transition should be initially addressed one year prior to transfer. Residents also reported barriers such as lack of experience with transition and lack of role modeling by supervisors as barriers to providing transitional care.

The practice patterns and attitudes of pediatric residents in this study do not reflect the recommendations that have been published regarding transitional care services to prepare patients and families for transfer from pediatric to adult-oriented care. In particular, most residents report that they start transition discussions when a patient is near the age of 18, rather than the age of 12 as guidelines suggest and as families would prefer. Pediatric residents need further education regarding transition, with particular emphasis on the need for early and frequent discussions with patients and families regarding transition.