A Gastroenterologist's Guide to Care Transitions in Cystic Fibrosis from Pediatrics to Adult Care

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a multi-system chronic illness with significant gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations.
• GI care in CF is crucial for overall health, impacting morbidity, lung function, and quality of life for patients with CF (PwCF).
• Patient care needs evolve from infancy through adulthood, necessitating specialized management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review essential gastrointestinal care considerations during the transition of pediatric to adult care for PwCF.
• To identify challenges faced by patients and providers during this critical care phase.
• To introduce a practical checklist to facilitate effective GI care transition in CF.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on GI manifestations and management in pediatric and adult CF patients.
• Analysis of current care transition processes and identified gaps.
• Development of a transition checklist based on best practices in CF gastrointestinal care.

Main Results:

• GI symptoms and management complexities in CF vary significantly across pediatric and adult populations.
• The transition from pediatric to adult care presents unique challenges for GI management continuity.
• A structured checklist can aid in standardizing and improving the GI care transition process.

Conclusions:

• Effective GI care transition is vital for PwCF, requiring coordinated efforts between pediatric and adult healthcare teams.
• The proposed checklist addresses critical GI aspects, aiming to improve management continuity and patient outcomes.
• Further development and implementation of transition tools are needed to support GI providers and PwCF.