As a resource in the transversal improvement of care for children with rheumatological pathologies and systemic autoimmune diseases, the UEC-AIS of Parc Taulí has created a Transition Unit for these pediatric patients. "This new transitional consultation is made up of Dra. Judith Sánchez-Manubens, from the Pediatrics service, Dra. Maria Garcia Manrique Delara, from the Rheumatology service and Dr. Begoña Marí Alfonso, from the Internal Medicine service", as pointed out by Dr. Jordi Gratacós, coordinator of the Clinical Expertise Unit for immune minority diseases of Parc Taulí (UEC-AIS).
This Unit wants to ensure a gradual transition of adolescent patients with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune pathology for follow-up until adulthood, with the aim of guaranteeing continuity of care and providing a comprehensive response to the needs of these patients and their families
This planned process takes into account the medical, psychosocial, educational and vocational needs of young adults with pathology that is the reason for the consultation in childhood, focused on the transition from a team of care in pediatric age to a team of care for adults.
"We are a team made up of paediatricians, rheumatologists and internists who want to make a good transition for the sake of the patient, because an inadequate transition leads to a high rate of loss of follow-up and treatment adherence, as well as worse disease outcomes, creating a high risk and a greater likelihood of an unfavorable prognosis in adulthood”, explains Dra. Judith Sánchez-Manubens, pediatrician at the Unit.
With reference to patients with these diseases, all of them are included in the group of minority diseases, "that's why we considered it essential to create this unit. By making this gradual transition process, we ensure that patients and their families improve their hospital experience. And, most importantly, ensuring care in adulthood with specialized knowledge and management of diseases that develop from childhood to adulthood", assure doctors Garcia Manrique and Marí Alfonso from the field of adults.
Operation of the Transition Unit
The transition process begins when they are teenagers, between 14-15 years old, when the care professional explains to the patient and his family what the transition consists of and the follow-up protocol.
From the age of 16 to 17, the adult specialist begins the process of visiting the patient in the consultation, to start guaranteeing the link between the patient and the family in the adult hospital. Visits also begin with child and adolescent gynecology specialists, psychology (if necessary) and with nursing to carry out psychosocial monitoring and detect risky behaviors.
Finally, from the age of 18, the transfer is made to the adult hospital, to the responsible adult referent, in a natural and relaxed manner, without generating situations of stress and anxiety for the patients and their families.
It is planned that at the wheel of 40 patients go through the consultation every month.
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