Transition clinics

Girl walking down a street

As HIV-infected children grow into young adults, their paediatric healthcare team starts to address the process of transferring care to adult services where the focus is for the young adult to take responsibility for their own health.

The process of transition begins around the age of 12-14 years, after a child has been taught about their HIV diagnosis, supporting them to attain the skills required to successfully address their physical, mental, sexual health and well-being in adult healthcare setting.

Paediatric and adult healthcare professionals often come together in dedicated transition clinics to facilitate gradual, smooth passage from paediatrics to adult care. Such tailored, supported clinics are usually for young people from 16 years of age until they are in their 20s.

"What's in it for me?"

While there will be differences in the transition services at different healthcare centres, young people find the following aspects of transition beneficial:

  • an individualised based on the young person’s maturity, feelings and preferences rather than age
  • empowering the young person to be seen without their parent/carer
  • the young person decides where they wish to access adult care and to have the opportunity to visit beforehand
    multidisciplinary professionals in transition clinics, combining both children’s and adult doctors and specialist paediatric and adult nurses, dieticians, psychologists and sexual health advisers, so its not a big sudden change
  • peer support and/or trained peer mentors where possible – this is increasingly available and very popular with young people
  • effective communication between the paediatric and adult healthcare teams as well as with the young person.
    supporting parents/carers, recognising that many will have been the child’s sole carer and may find it difficult to 'let go' and allow the young person to take responsibility for their health and future.

Getting involved – "my health; my transition"

Young people to ask their healthcare team about various aspects of their transition needs. This may include discussions about the young person being seen without a parent/carer in some or all consultations when they feel ready.

The team will also help you maintain your healthcare needs

  • while you are away at college or university
  • when you are starting work
  • when you are thinking of having children yourself.

 

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This article was last reviewed on 25/6/2012 by Administrator

Date due for the next review: 25/7/2012

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