So hard to say goodbye: Transition from paediatric to adult cardiology care

Adrienne H. Kovacs, Brian W. McCrindle

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Important medical advances have created a large and growing population of adults who were diagnosed with congenital or paediatric-onset cardiovascular conditions as children and now require specialized cardiac care as adults. Although some adult patients continue to be cared for by paediatric cardiology programmes, guidelines recommend that patients transfer from paediatric to adult care at 18-21 years of age. Unfortunately, lapses in care during the transfer period are common and associated with poor health outcomes. Comprehensive transition programmes are necessary to maintain continuity of care and effectively prepare adolescents and young adults for the differences between paediatric and adult cardiac care programmes. Transition, unlike transfer, is an extended process that begins during childhood or early adolescence and focuses on patient education and fostering self-management skills and appropriate interdependence. The perspectives of patients, families, and care providers should be recognized and incorporated into transition programmes, and should be used to adapt strategies to meet the needs of individual patients and families. This Review summarizes the current knowledge on the transition of young patients from paediatric to adult cardiology care from the perspectives of all stakeholders, and offers practical recommendations for the development of transition programmes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)51-62
Number of pages12
JournalNature Reviews Cardiology
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'So hard to say goodbye: Transition from paediatric to adult cardiology care'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this