NASPGHAN Guidelines for Health Care Transition for Adolescents and Young Adults With Pediatric-Onset Liver Disease and Transplantation

BARRIERS TO TRANSITION OF CARE

Barriers to transition are multifaceted and include individual, family, and system-wide factors.
Transition planning should be initiated by the pediatric team in early adolescence.
Pediatric hepatology and transplant recipients should have access to a mental health specialist with expertise in adolescents with chronic illness.
Barriers to HCT are best overcome by a multidisciplinary, standardized approach to transition planning with an emphasis on partnership and collaborative practice between pediatric and adult providers.

A structured transition program is associated with improved health outcomes, patient experience, and utilization of health care.
The Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition™ are applicable to AYA with CLD as well as LT recipients and should be utilized to establish a HCT program.
An adaptation of the Six Core Elements pertaining to AYA with pediatric-onset liver disease and transplantation is summarized in Table 2.
Regular assessment of transition readiness utilizing TRA tools is an essential component of transition planning.

Health Care Transition for Adolescents and Young Adults With Pediatric-Onset Liver Disease and Transplantation