Transition from paediatric to adult neurological care: What do we know?

Abstract

Introduction

Healthcare advances have allowed an increase in the survival of paediatric patients with neurological diseases. As a result, it is increasingly common to find these patients in adult neurology consultations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current level of consensus on the transition of neuropaediatric patients among neurology and paediatric professionals in the Balearic Islands.

Material and methods

We conducted an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study through an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 27 questions, which was distributed to neurologists, paediatric neurologists, hospital paediatricians, and primary care paediatricians in the healthcare network of the Balearic Islands. It was developed using Google Forms and distributed by the competent professional societies. Consensus was considered to exist for answers with 70% or more agreement.

Results

Responses were received from 58 professionals; 46.6% were hospital paediatricians, 29.9% were neurologists, 13.8% were paediatric neurologists, and 13.8% were primary care paediatricians. Among other issues, consensus was observed on the need for a transition programme for patients with neurological diseases. No consensus was observed regarding the duration of the transition (P = .029) and how long simultaneous follow-up must last after the transfer (P = .09).

Conclusions

Due to increased survival rates, there is a need to create transition programmes for paediatric patients with neurological diseases. In our study, more than 70% of professionals believed that it would be beneficial to create such programmes.