Implementing Pediatric Transition Education Initiative During Inpatient Admissions in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Adolescents with epilepsy are a population with unique needs when addressing transition to adult care. Scheduled, non-emergent admissions to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) have not yet been utilized to improve transition education.

The overarching goal of this evidence-based practice project was to explore opportunities to enhance the transition education patients and families receive in the clinic setting by leveraging scheduled inpatient admissions for EEG monitoring to provide structured transition education. Twenty-one Neurology Clinic providers were surveyed about their perspectives on the transition process. Thirty-five adolescent patients (12-20 years old) received a pre-test regarding their condition, health maintenance and disease management, and a subsequent post-test measuring knowledge retention after education with a provider. Documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) using an institution created transition flowsheet and a standardized template was used to communicate through the EHR with the primary neurology team.

The effectiveness of the intervention was supported as 100% of patients demonstrated increased knowledge after transition education. Providers' knowledge and support of transition efforts increased regarding tools and guidelines for transition of adolescents to adult care.

These results support the feasibility of providing transition education in the EMU with shared responsibility between inpatient and ambulatory providers.

Improved use of the transition flowsheet in the EMU and by ambulatory setting providers will enhance the process of transition. Discussion of self-management with adolescent patients during all phases of health care will encourage independence and promote successful transition to adult health care.