TRANSITION IN PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY: A 360 DEGREE PERSPECTIVE. Issue 12 (15th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wright, Sukhvir; Cavalle-Garcia, Amparo; Wright, Benjamin; Gupta, Rajat; Agrawal, Shakti; Concannon, Bernie; Wassmer, Evangeline
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 87:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: e1
• Page End: e1
• Publication Date: 2016-11-15
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-315106.226
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Peadiatric neurology transition is recommended as a planned and well-structured move to the adult neurologist beginning in early adolescence. However, this process may be distilled into a single 'transfer' clinic. We investigated whether this was satisfactory for the young person involved and surveyed the UK experience of neurology transition. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and completed by young people and neurologists at transfer clinics in Birmingham. Additionally, an online local transition/transfer policy survey was sent to UK adult and paediatric neurologists. Results: The young person's questionnaires (n=18) demonstrated wide variation in knowledge about their condition and transition aspects of the disease; all patients were satisfied with their care. Most respondents of the online survey (52%; 43/82) did not have a Transition guideline/policy; only 36% (27/82) held early adolescent transition clinics. The main barriers to a transition process were lack of clinic time/space and skilled support staff; 60% (48/82) thought provision for transition/transfer did not meet national standards. Conclusions: Transition from paediatric to adult neurology services occurs mainly as single transfer clinics which is acceptable to young people. Professionals feel that they and patients would benefit from a transition process if resources/training were available, this is now underway in Birmingham.