Transition of Care to Adult Neuroimmunology

Abstract

A structured health care transition is essential for adolescents with chronic disease to ensure continuity of care without treatment lapse. Though rare, multiple sclerosis is diagnosed in children and adolescents and these patients will eventually require transition to adult care in late adolescence and early adulthood. Some barriers to transition include limited independence of the adolescent, fear of an unknown adult care model, and difficulty ending close relationships with longstanding pediatric providers. For optimal success, transition planning should be started in the early teenage years, and graduated independence and self-management skills should be fostered over time. Providers should also be aware of the developmental evolution of adolescents when assessing transition readiness and should screen for barriers during routine clinic visits to ensure that these are addressed prior to the time of transfer.