Transition From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care: An Exploratory Study From Latin America
R Ezequiel Borgia1, Carmen L De Cunto2, Maria Teresa Terreri3
1From the Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH.
Insights
Pediatric rheumatology centers in Latin America often lack formal transition programs. More resources and culturally tailored guidelines are needed to improve care for young adults with chronic rheumatic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Healthcare Transition
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Effective transition from pediatric to adult care is crucial for treatment adherence and outcomes in pediatric chronic diseases.
- Limited data exist on transition programs within Latin American (LATAM) pediatric rheumatology centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of transition programs in three LATAM pediatric rheumatology centers.
- To present findings from the first survey on the transition experience in LATAM.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of transition program implementation in three centers.
- Administration of a survey based on the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance questionnaire to LATAM centers.
Main Results:
- 49 pediatric rheumatologists (68% response rate) participated in the survey.
- Most centers lack official, written transition programs.
- A significant need for additional tools and resources to support patient transition was reported.
Conclusions:
- Culturally adapted transition guidelines are essential for developing countries in LATAM.
- Developing and implementing standardized transition protocols is recommended.
Background/Purpose:
Adequate transition from pediatric to adult care is associated with better adherence to treatment and better outcomes in pediatric patients with chronic diseases. There are little data on transition programs, outcomes, use of transition guidelines, and available tools in pediatric rheumatology centers from Latin America (LATAM). In this study, we described the characteristics of transition programs from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers. We also introduced results of the first survey examining the transition experience in countries from LATAM.
Methods:
The experience and implementation process of transition programs from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers are described. A survey based on a questionnaire created by Chira et al ( J Rheumatol . 2014;41:768-779) from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance was also administrated to pediatric rheumatology centers from LATAM.
Results:
A total of 49 (68%) pediatric rheumatologists answered the survey. Most centers do not have an official and written transition program and reported a need for more tools and resources in their services to facilitate the transition experience.
Conclusions:
Transition guidelines culturally tailored to developing countries are needed in LATAM.
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