Abstract: FR-PO727
Bridging the Gap: Assessing Nephrology Transition Practices in Pediatric and Adult Care Settings
Session Information
- Pediatric Nephrology - 1
October 25, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pediatric Nephrology
- 1900 Pediatric Nephrology
Authors
- Vissing, Andrew, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Verghese, Priya S., Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Dixon, Angelina Magreni, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Ghossein, Cybele, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Background
The transition from pediatric to adult care can be challenging for young adults living with kidney disease. The International Society of Nephrology has recommended establishing a transition process for this vulnerable population; however, the prevalence of transition clinics or standardized transition processes (established approaches for transitioning patients at an institution) is currently unknown. Our study surveyed pediatric and adult nephrology programs nationwide to explore the current state of transition practices.
Methods
Four different surveys were created to assess transition practices in adult and pediatric general nephrology and transplant nephrology care. Surveys were distributed via email to the leadership of academic general and transplant nephrology programs. Listservs and online forums were also used for survey distribution.
Results
The overall response rate for all four surveys was 38.5%. The percentage of programs that had transition clinics or an established process for transitioning care for young adult patients are shown in Table 1. Amongst adult and pediatric centers that indicated partnerships in transitions of care, a large discrepancy existed in how transitions were performed. Between affiliated adult and pediatric programs, 54.8% of general nephrology programs and 46.7% of transplant programs were misaligned in their reported transition of care procedures.
Conclusion
By examining the presence of transition clinics and processes, we reveal the lack of standardized transition planning for young adults with kidney disease. Furthermore, our study highlights the lack of coordination between affiliated adult and pediatric centers in implementing transition plans for this at-risk demographic. Future studies will aim at examining the benefits and obstacles of established transition clinics and processes.
Presence of Transition Clinics and Processes at Nephrology Programs
| Programs | Programs with a Transition Clinic | Programs with a Transition Process | Programs without a Transition Clinic or Process |
| Adult General Nephrology (n=71) | 13 (18.3%) | 24 (33.8%) | 34 (47.9%) |
| Adult Transplant Nephrology (n=37) | 11 (29.7%) | 15 (40.5%) | 11 (29.7%) |
| Pediatric General Nephrology (n=49) | 8 (16.3%) | 28 (57.1%) | 13 (26.5%) |
| Pediatric Transplant Nephrology (n=31) | 6 (19.4%) | 22 (71.0%) | 3 (9.7%) |