Recommendations for transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care: patients’ perspectives

Abstract

SUMMARY Aims: This preliminary investigation assessed the experiences of young adults with diabetes to evaluate aspects of the transition process and assess whether developmentally important topics were addressed. Patients & methods: Questionnaires were administered to recently transferred patients. Reasons for transition, age, anxiety, lapse in care and how adult providers were selected were examined. Whether 13 developmentally important topics were addressed was also assessed. Results & conclusion: Over half (52.5%) of participants did not select their adult provider through pediatric provider recommendation. Lapse in care was over 1 year for 22.4% of participants. Important topics were not adequately addressed. Changes in provider culture are needed to meet the needs of emerging adults with diabetes who are transitioning from pediatric to adult care.