Transitional care for rheumatic conditions in Europe: Current clinical practice and available resources

Objective: to assess european pediatric rheumatology providers' current clinical practices and resources used in the transition from child-centered to adult-oriented care. methods: european pediatric rheumatologists were invited to complete a 17-item anonymized e-survey assessing current transition practices,transition policy awareness,and needs in advance of the publication of eular/pres recommendations on transition. results: the response rate was 121/276 (44%),including responses from 115 centers in 22 european union countries. although 32/121 (26%) responded that their centers did not offer transition services,the majority (99%) agreed that a formalized process in transitioning patients to adult care is necessary. a minority (<30%) of respondents stated that they have a written transition policy although 46% have an informal transition process. designated staff to support transitional care were available in a minority of centers: nurse (35%),physiotherapist (15%),psychologist (15%),social worker (8%),and occupational therapist (2%). the existence of a designated team member to coordinate transition was acknowledged in many centers (64% of respondents) although just 36% use a checklist for young people as part of individualized transitional care. conclusion: this survey of european pediatric rheumatology providers regarding transitional care practices demonstrates agreement that transitional care is important,and wide variation in current provision of transition services exists. © 2017 the author(s).