The same difficulties that cause practices to balk at standardizing the patient transition from pediatric to adult medical care also offer the strongest argument for establishing such a process, according to a new policy proposal.
Writing in NEJM Catalyst, Brooke Di Anni, D.O., M.D., Laurence Eng, B.S., M.B.A. and Ifrad Islam, B.A., M.S., make the case for a systematic approach to helping adolescent patients move from a pediatrician’s office into adult care. They admit that the process can be challenging for both patients and physicians, but they point out that the benefits of an effective transition can more than justify the challenges.
The improved continuity that comes from a successful transition can be a major factor in improving the patient’s care quality, the authors write. Furthermore, a transition that keeps young, healthy patients engaged with their care and within the system has potential for financial benefits for practices taking on increased financial risk, such as those aiming for Advanced Alternative Payment Models under MACRA.
The authors provide the following four tips for providers interested in developing a standardized process for transitioning patients from pediatric to adult care:
- Lay the groundwork for the transition by training staff, ensuring electronic health records are properly configured for information handoffs, and adjusting workflows to give physicians time to comply with the new process.
- Build a foundation for patient transition starting at age 16, in order to get adolescent patients thinking about taking greater responsibility for their care before discussing the transition itself.
- Discuss the transfer and offer additional guidance as necessary, as patients and their families ready to transition to adult care, which the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests should take place between the ages of 18 and 21.
- Finally, update and transfer medical records to ensure continuity of care when patients have chosen a new provider.