Adolescents with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Model for Transition to Adult Care

Successful health care transition from pediatric to adult care emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort to employ systematic processes. The development of a structured health care transition program for adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was the goal of this quality improvement program. The non-experimental design included development of an individualized health care transition treatment plan and TRxANSITION Scale™ application of the transition plan with patient evaluation; success designated full transition to adult care. Of the 19 patients enrolled, 74% had CKD, and 26% were renal transplant recipients. TRxANSITION Scale variables with the highest Pearson Correlation coefficients for total scores and strong positive relationships were self-management, insurance, and school. Four participants successfully transitioned. Purposeful, interprofessional health care transition preparation provides youth with CKD ongoing access to subspecialists, promotes self-care, and allows continued support of long-term health care planning. This evidence-based project adds to the body of knowledge for a topic that has proven to be challenging and often difficult for patients, families, and providers.