Transition From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care: An Exploratory Study From Latin America.

Abstract

Adequate transition from pediatric to adult care is associated with better adherence to treatment and better outcomes in pediatric patients with chronic diseases. There are little data on transition programs, outcomes, use of transition guidelines, and available tools in pediatric rheumatology centers from Latin America (LATAM). In this study, we described the characteristics of transition programs from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers. We also introduced results of the first survey examining the transition experience in countries from LATAM. The experience and implementation process of transition programs from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers were described. A survey based on a questionnaire created by Chira et al (J Rheumatol. 2014;41:768-779) from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance was also administrated to pediatric rheumatology centers from LATAM. A total of 49 (68%) pediatric rheumatologists answered the survey. Most centers do not have an official and written transition program and reported a need for more tools and resources in their services to facilitate the transition experience. Transition guidelines culturally tailored to developing countries are needed in LATAM.