{"id":6961,"date":"2022-11-21T15:02:21","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T15:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=6961"},"modified":"2022-11-21T15:14:14","modified_gmt":"2022-11-21T15:14:14","slug":"transitioning-from-pediatric-to-adult-ibd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/transitioning-from-pediatric-to-adult-ibd\/","title":{"rendered":"Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult IBD"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that more and more children are being diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? According to Rosen et al. (2015), at least 25% of patients with IBD are diagnosed before the age of 20. There were more than 7000 Canadian children living with IBD in 2018, and it is predicted that by 2030, this will increase to 13,685 (Fu et al., 2022). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pediatric IBD comes with many unique considerations, one of them being \u201ctransition of care\u201d; This is a huge responsibility on top of the many life-changing decisions you already need to make. But it is important to view this as a positive change. Because not only is transition of care an essential journey where you will be taught to manage your illness more independently but becoming self-reliant and accepting ownership of your health is part and parcel of being an adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few pages, we will answer many questions that adolescents with IBD have regarding transition of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have heard phrases such as \u201ctransition of care\u201d and \u201ctransfer of care\u201d while at the doctor\u2019s office. Is there a difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, there is. As you grow older you will eventually need to switch from a pediatric to an adult medical specialist. This is known as transfer of care, which occurs at 18 years of age in the Canadian health care system (Jawaid et al., 2019). It differs from transition of care which is the period during your adolescence where you will be prepared to take charge of your health and make well-informed decisions regarding your IBD and overall wellbeing. It can begin as early as 12 years of age (Crohn\u2019s and Colitis, 2021; Rosario, 2021).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I find the idea of transitioning overwhelming. Is that okay?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, it is. Because if you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. According to existing data, approximately one-third of parents and one-quarter of adolescents are anxious about transition from pediatric care. After all, it is a new journey to undertake. Also, bear in mind that this process is different for everyone. It can be affected by emotional and social well being, maturity, existing support systems and disease activity and severity. While it can be daunting, studies have shown that if the process is well-organized and coordinated, it can improve health outcomes (Kahn, 2016).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I begin transition of care?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It will be a collaborative process where you will work with your health care team and your parents\/caregivers. You will be encouraged to become more involved in your health visits such as learning to track your appointments; asking and answering questions; and voicing concerns. You will be required learn more about your IBD and how to manage it. You will become responsible for your taking your medications and keeping an eye out for side effects. Overtime, you will also start seeing your physician\/nurse alone for all or a portion of the appointment (Crohn\u2019s and Colitis, 2021; Kahn, 2016).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will my parents or caregivers be involved?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your parents and caregivers should be involved in your healthcare as you transition. Their role will involve teaching you about your disease; encouraging you to speak up and advocate for yourself; supervising you as to take on more responsibilities such as scheduling appointments, taking your medications, requesting prescription refills. They can also offer guidance on issues such as insurance coverage and making plans for work or college. Furthermore, they can educate you on your rights and responsibilities once you turn 18 (Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 2021; Kahn, 2016; Rosario, 2021). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is pediatric IBD different from adult IBD?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, it is. Children are more likely to have extensive and aggressive disease with greater involvement of their intestines. They are also at risk for other health conditions such as poor growth, delayed puberty, weak bones (osteoporosis), and psychosocial burdens such as depression, anxiety, bodily dissatisfaction etc (Rosen, 2015).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can I do to ensure a successful transition? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Transition from pediatrics is not always smooth sailing. There are barriers to a successful transition have been discussed in literature. Common examples include adolescent maturity and readiness, comorbidities, and parental and physician reluctance (Kahn, 2016). But here are some steps that you can undertake to help ensure a successful transition (Crohn\u2019s and Colitis, 2021):<\/p>\n\n\n\n