What do we expect from doctors?
Adult doctors must have more involvement in transition, which can be empowered by making the appointment longer than it should be or taking additional terms which will be reserved for IBD patients. In that period, we need to emphasize to doctors to have more patience and understanding, and also to encourage kids to not be afraid to ask. [1]
We would advise doctors to collaborate with different health professionals such as nutritionists or therapists to ensure a successful transition for both the patient and their families.
Why is it important?
“A structured transition program was noted to be “very important” by 78.8% of gastroenterologists. The most favored method of transitioning was joint outpatient clinic attended by patient, caregiver, pediatric gastroenterologist, and adult gastroenterologist.“ [6]
How can we help patients?
“Adolescents and young adults with IBD need improved education about their medical history and medications.”[6]
Initiate the presence of vocabulary terms in each office, written for the patients, which doctors will recommend to kids to read and also help educate them by explaining anything necessary[6]
Advise and educate adult doctors to enhance conversation solely and directly with the child, not the parents.
Once a month, arrange in hospital a consultation with doctors where patients can ask further questions or set free from their concern. [5]
Better communication can be reached by introducing more often adult and pediatric gastroenterologists to each other with joint lectures. Making these lectures frequent adult doctor can have more knowledge about kids, access to resources and transition at all in IBD. [3]
Associations can collaborate with doctors. Once, or twice a year they could organize a seminar about the young patient and their problems, so they could have a clear picture of the problems that transition brings. (association – doctor collaboration) [4]
[1] The requirements and barriers to successful transition of adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: differing perceptions from a survey of adult and paediatric gastroenterologists. Sebastian S, Jenkins H et al. J Crohns Colitis. 2012 Sep;6(8):830-44. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2012.01.010. Epub 2012 Feb 24.
[2] Afzali A, Wahbeh G. Transition of pediatric to adult care in inflammatory bowel disease: Is it as easy as 1, 2, 3? World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23(20): 3624-3631
[3] Transition care in inflammatory bowel disease: A needs assessment survey of Quebec gastroenterologists and allied nurses. Matthew Strohl, Xun Zhang et al. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
[4] Ljiljan, UKUKS
[5] source: EYM Brussels, July 2019
[6] Transition of adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease from pediatric to adult care: a survey of adult gastroenterologists. Hait EJ, Barendse RM et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009 Jan;48(1):61-5. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31816d71d8.