[How Can We Do Transition Successfully from Pediatric to Adult Clinics in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Increasing incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) necessitates improved lifelong care strategies.
• Transition from pediatric to adult IBD care is a critical, yet under-supported, phase in Korea.
• Lack of established guidelines poses challenges for patients and healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current issues in pediatric to adult IBD transition care.
• To identify barriers and critical elements for successful patient transition.
• To propose optimal models for IBD transition services.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current IBD transition care practices.
• Analysis of barriers and facilitators for successful transition.
• Evaluation of existing transition care models.

Main Results:

• Multidisciplinary pediatric/adult clinics or alternate visits are identified as optimal models.
• Patient self-reliance and independence are crucial for successful transition.
• Transition timing should be based on individual maturity, not chronological age.

Conclusions:

• Developing effective transition care strategies is vital for long-term IBD patient outcomes.
• A patient-centered approach focusing on maturity is key to successful transition.
• Further research and guideline development are needed to support IBD transition care in Korea.