title: Educate, communicate, anticipate-practical recommendations for transitioning adolescents with IBD to adult health care.
abstract: The cyclical nature of chronic illness requires that children with inflammatory bowel disease be transitioned to the adult medical system with as much continuity of care as possible. Transition from pediatric to adult medical care continues to present significant barriers. The philosophy of transition centers on a process, with the actual transfer to adult care as a point along this clinical pathway. Concrete steps can be taken to help patients prepare for new responsibilities. The aim of this review is to propose a clinical and developmental timeline for both patients and their medical team, including specific responsibilities for both, so that the partnership can best promote a successful transition.
authors.affiliation: Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hait
authors.forename: Janis H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: Laurie N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Fishman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic