Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO696

Barriers to Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults with Kidney Diseases

Session Information

• Pediatric Nephrology - 2
  October 26, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Pediatric Nephrology

• 1900 Pediatric Nephrology

Authors

• Dixon, Angelina Magreni, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Angelina Magreni Dixon, MD

• Ostrow, Anna, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Anna Ostrow, MPH

• Vissing, Andrew, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States

Andrew Vissing, MD

• Blanchette, Eliza, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Eliza Blanchette, MD, MS

• Kendrick, Jessica B., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Jessica B. Kendrick, MD, MPH

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with CKD experience morbidity and mortality outcomes at unacceptably high rates, and a lack of knowledge and communication among nephrology providers is a contributing factor to adverse outcomes. Here, we evaluate adult nephrology providers’ self-perceived education gaps, comfort, and reported barriers in transitioning patients from pediatric to adult care.

Methods

An anonymous, on-line survey of US nephrologists was undertaken from January 30 to May 7, 2024. The survey included questions regarding awareness and implementation of healthcare transitions (HCT) guidelines and knowledge of childhood-onset kidney disease, pediatric nephrology treatment guidelines, and AYA care.

Results

152 adult nephrologists and 22 pediatric nephrologists submitted the survey. 71% of adult respondents were unfamiliar with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AP) Six Core Elements (vs.18% of pediatric nephrologists, p<0.001) and 63% were unfamiliar with the ISN/IPNA consensus statement on transitioning patients from pediatric to adult nephrology care (vs. 27% of pediatric nephrologists, p<0.001). In addition, adult nephrologists report they are not familiar or slightly familiar with youth health/adolescent medicine (68%), childhood/congenital causes of kidney disease (27%), and medications approved for patient <18 with kidney disease (51%). 48% of respondents had not received training in HCT. Of those who had received HCT training, 73% received training after completion of their formal training. 65% of respondents felt that further training in HCT would be useful and felt it should be included in residency training (37%), fellowship training (96%), and after completion of formal training (37%).

Conclusion

Most adult nephrologists are unaware of HCT guidelines and unfamiliar with caring for AYA with CKD. The creation of a HCT curricula that addresses these topics is imperative.