Assessment of Need for Quality Improvement in Transitional Care

Abstract

As pediatric heart transplant recipients age, transfer to adult care is inevitable but represents a vulnerable period associated with adverse health outcomes and increased rates of graft loss and mortality. This study examined our center’s current efforts in assessing disease and health-related knowledge, evaluating how treatment responsibility is allocated between patient and parent, and planning for transition in order to guide development of a formal transition program. Patient and familial psychosocial risk and patient adherence to immunosuppressant regime were also examined.