title: Transition to adult care for patients with spina bifida.
abstract: More individuals with spina bifida are living into adulthood, and unique challenges arise as they age. These patients have multiple organ system involvement in addition to physical impairments, disabilities, cognitive involvement, and psychosocial challenges. There is a growing need for transitional care for adults with spina bifida. This article explores the 5 key elements for a transition program to adult care: preparation, flexible timing, care coordination, transitional clinic visits, and health care providers who are interested in taking care of adults with disabilities.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, University of California San Diego, 3020 Children's Way, MC 5096, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. Electronic address: joanle@rchsd.org.
authors.forename: Joan T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Le
authors.affiliation: Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Spina Bifida Clinic, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 345 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Shubhra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005762:Gastroenterology; D006801:Humans; D009493:Neurosurgery; D009985:Orthopedics; D010810:Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000628:therapy*; D060305:Transition to Adult Care; D014572:Urology; D014932:Women's Health Services; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adult; Myelomeningocele; Spina bifida; Transition