title: Transitioning HIV-infected children and adolescents into adult care: an Italian real-life experience.
abstract: As young people living with HIV age, transition to adult care is increasingly required. The aim of our study was to describe how a care transition program was developed in an HIV adult clinic in Genoa, Italy. This is a descriptive study including 45 HIV-infected patients who participated in the transition process from a pediatric unit to an adult Infectious Diseases Unit, which started in 2000. A dedicated day, patient-customized environment, psychological support, and all health services in one site were provided. In 2014, a survey form was created to investigate the efficacy of the transition. At survey compilation time, 38 patients (84.4%) were retained in care, 2 were lost to follow-up, 2 were transferred to another adult clinic, and 3 had died. We highlight the importance of planning the transition process and the role of the interprofessional team to guarantee a successful transition for HIV-infected children and adolescents.
authors.forename: Ambra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Righetti
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prinapori
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nulvesu
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fornoni
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Viscoli
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Biagio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007558:Italy; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060305:Transition to Adult Care / Q000458:organization & administration*
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: HIV; adolescent; antiretroviral therapy; children; transition in care; vertical HIV transmission