Strategies for transitioning to adult care for youth with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and related disorders.
Epilepsia
; 52 Suppl 5: 21-7, 2011 Aug.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21790562
ABSTRACT
Transition is the process of preparing children with chronic illness and their families for the adult health care system. In patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and related disorders, the process of transition is complicated by the presence of intellectual handicap, treatment-resistant epilepsy, and behavioral issues. Patients who are not successfully transitioned to adult care may end up without specialty care, may not receive satisfactory adult services, may lack adequate follow-up and access to newer therapies, and may lack appropriate management of comorbid conditions. Several family related and clinician-related barriers can inhibit the transition process. Transition strategies that maximize each patient's ability to achieve his or her potential and optimize self-sufficiency may lead to better social outcomes. Adolescent clinics that include members of the pediatric and adult neurology teams may help ensure a smooth transition to adult care, although studies are needed to objectively establish the best model. Results are reported from a survey of 133 symposium attendees on the topic of practice characteristics and issues related to transitioning care. Results suggested a great deal of dissatisfaction about the process of transition, especially for patients with intellectual handicap. We provide suggestions for developing a transition program, including identifying a willing adult service, adapting a multidisciplinary approach, addressing legal and psychosocial issues, and celebrating rites of passage.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Progressive Patient Care
/
Spasms, Infantile
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Continuity of Patient Care
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Intellectual Disability
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Child
/
Humans
Language:
En
Year:
2011
Type:
Article