Abstract
Background
A formal transition program has not been described for neurosurgical adolescent patients
with an indwelling shunt device. Transitioning from pediatric neurosurgical care to
adult care without transition guidance has caused abrupt transfer of care at this
institution. The goal of this pilot transition program was to help patients and caregivers
feel informed and prepared for transition.
Methods
The Got Transition®, Six Core Elements of Transition, were used to create this program.
Both a policy and a registry to track and monitor patients were created. A validated
questionnaire for transition readiness was measured. Education was provided based
on the results of the questionnaire to prepare the adolescent for transfer of care.
A smartphone application was used to promote health care independence. Transfer to
adult neurosurgical care included hand-off between the pediatric and adult teams,
child life and social work involvement, and scheduled follow up with an adult neurosurgical
provider.
Findings
All patients 14 to 18 years with indwelling shunts were enrolled in the pilot program.
Eight patients completed a baseline transition readiness assessment, received education
and anticipatory guidance, and downloaded the smartphone application. At the end of
the six month pilot, three patients were successfully transferred to adult care.
Discussion
The integration of a transition readiness questionnaire and smart phone application
during this pilot program was feasible and continues to be used at this institution.
Adolescent patients with shunts require gradual and carefully planned transition services.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 13, 2021
Accepted:
May 5,
2021
Received in revised form:
April 6,
2021
Received:
November 25,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
