Difficulties in Transition of Care from Pediatric to Adult Gynecology Providers: Should We Maintain Care into Adulthood?

Christine Osborne; Jaelene Mannerfeldt; Philippa Brain; Sarah K McQuillan

doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2019.11.008

Difficulties in Transition of Care from Pediatric to Adult Gynecology Providers: Should We Maintain Care into Adulthood?

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2020 Jun;33(3):255-259. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.11.008. Epub 2019 Nov 22.

Authors

Christine Osborne¹, Jaelene Mannerfeldt², Philippa Brain², Sarah K McQuillan²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada.

PMID: 31765798
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.11.008

Abstract

There is evidence that transfer of care for older adolescent patients to adult care is associated with a deterioration in health, especially in those with chronic conditions. Because several specific conditions in pediatric and adolescent gynecology continue into adulthood, it is important that patients have a seamless healthcare transition. In this commentary, it is argued that instead of arranging transfer, long-term retention of patients by the same physician or physician team may be the more caring, patient-centered approach.

Keywords: Health care transition; Patient retention; Pediatric and adolescent gynecology; Transition of care.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Child
Chronic Disease / therapy
Continuity of Patient Care / standards
Female
Gynecology / organization & administration*
Humans
Pediatrics / organization & administration
Transition to Adult Care / standards*