Health care transition in congenital heart disease: the providers' view point

Abstract

Unfortunately, despite recommendations for educational training of ACHD health care providers and the goal to create regional ACHD centers, current needs still far outweigh appropriate available services. From a practical standpoint, we will need to work from our current models of health care delivery, which vary because of geographic and institutional issues and the availability of appropriate resources, toward the ideal goal of regional ACHD centers. Successful transition of adolescents and adults with CHD requires collaboration and planning between the pediatric health care team and the ACHD health care team. Good communication and an atmosphere of mutual respect are essential. All members of the ACHD health care team need to be committed to improving the process of transition for the adolescent and adult with CHD. The advanced practice nurse (CNS or ARNP) from both the pediatric program and the adult program are often key players in this process. As ACHD health care providers, we must work toward decreasing barriers to care and become organized advocates for our patients. Ultimately, our goal is not only to provide a smooth transition from one model of care to another, it is to create a health care delivery system that will maximize the lifelong potential and function of adults with congenital heart disease.