Assessing the value of a pre-transfer meeting in IBD transition services

Abstract

Background: The benefits of a well-managed transition for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are being increasingly recognized. However, there is limited evidence to support effective means of transition. Patient feedback is important to establish the value of such services. This survey looks at how young people with IBD and their families perceived the effectiveness of a model of transition and what improvements were needed. Design: Postal questionnaire survey. Setting: Transition between paediatric services at Alder Hey Children′s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (adult centre). Population: Young people (adolescents) who had been through the transition process between the above centres from 2003-2008. Interventions: A semi-structured questionnaire survey designed to obtain patient feedback on transition care arrangements and provision of service. Main outcome measures: Patient information, satisfaction and suggestions. Results: 35 of 66 families returned the questionnaire. High rates of satisfaction were reported (33/35; P<0.001-sign test). Feedback included provision of adequate information, opportunity to discuss change (P<0.001) and reduction in perceived anxiety about the transfer (P=0.08).Conclusions: High rates of satisfaction with transition incorporating a pre-transfer meeting were expressed