Improving IBD Transition, Self-management, and Disease Outcomes With an In-clinic Transition Coordinator

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Adolescent Health
• Healthcare Transition

Background:

• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face challenges during the transition from pediatric to adult care.
• There is a lack of outcome data for interventions supporting this critical transition phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a dedicated transition coordinator on behavioral and clinical outcomes for IBD patients.
• To assess improvements in transition readiness and self-management skills post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 135 IBD patients undergoing a transition intervention.
• Utilized the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire before and after the intervention.
• Compared outcomes with a control group receiving no intervention.

Main Results:

• Intervention group showed significant increases in transition readiness and self-management skills.
• A significant rise in disease remission rates was observed post-intervention.
• The percentage of patients over age 21 in pediatric care decreased by 33.07%.

Conclusions:

• A single transition coordinator intervention effectively enhances adolescent readiness and self-management.
• The intervention positively impacts clinical outcomes, including disease remission.
• The findings support the benefit of employing transition coordinators in IBD care management.