title: Optimal management of young adult transplant recipients: the role of integrated multidisciplinary care and peer support.
abstract: Young adults with chronic diseases do not fit easily into an aging adult patient population and are frequently isolated from peers. The result is a high rate of non-adherence with medical care and therapy, resulting in poor outcomes. This is an important clinical problem shared equally by young adults transitioning from pediatric care and those presenting directly to adult care. An integrated multidisciplinary pediatric-adult service can improve the transition process and preparation of the teenager for adult health care. A seamless transition into a dedicated young adult service results in reduced premature failure rates of kidney transplants and improved clinic and medication adherence.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Paul Harden, Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals,, Churchill Hospital Old Road Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LJ United Kingdom, T:+441865 225614, paul.harden@ouh.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Paul Neil
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Harden
authors.forename: Sam Nicholas
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Sherston
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010379:Peer Group; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult