The transition from pediatric to adult care can be confusing for patients, parents and families. It means new doctors, new routines and possibly new treatment plans. Furthermore, the transfer of legal responsibility to the patient (upon reaching adult age) can be emotionally and logistically troubling for parents or caregivers. This doesn’t even take into account the numerous life changes these young adult patients are already facing outside their medical care.
Transitioning pediatric patients shouldn’t be taken lightly, as many unforeseeable challenges could deter patients from receiving the care and support they require and deserve. But sadly, more than 50 percent of parents polled by the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs claimed no one even spoke to them about the upcoming need for their child to switch to adult care.