Transition program: Initial implementation with adults with neuromuscular conditions

To identify current medical and psychosocial needs and to examine the effectiveness of healthcare transition program for adult-aged patients with neuromuscular conditions transitioning from pediatric to adult services.

At Neuromuscular Transition Clinic visit, 46 patients were evaluated and referred to adult-based providers, if did not currently have one, from an acquired list of interested clinicians. At mean follow-up of 22 months, 42 were interviewed by phone regarding referrals for Core Services (primary care, physiatry, dental care and gynecology), Medical Specialties and Rehabilitation Services. Mean age was 30 years with 62% males. Majority (74%) had cerebral palsy. Sixty percent were non-ambulatory.

As per protocol, all were indicated to need Core Services. Eighty-three percent already had adult primary care provider. Most referrals were given for physiatry (62%), vocational training (100%), and occupational therapy (88%). At follow-up, visits were completed most frequently with adult provider for primary care (100%), occupational therapy (78%), and neurology (75%). Referred provider was seen 100% for physiatry, neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and vocational training. Of the total 125 referrals given across all services, 73 (58%) participants had completed a visit with an adult provider.

As only about 60% transitioned to adult-based services after referral, healthcare transition remains challenging and requires tailoring of services according to patients' needs, staff and willing-and-available adult-based providers.

Transitioning healthcare of patients with neuromuscular conditions from pediatric- to adult-based providers remains challenging. This clinical specialty requires tailoring of services based on patient's needs, and availability of adult-based providers and resources.