HOW CAN I FACILITATE THE TRANSITION OF MY ADOLESCENT PATIENT WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE TO THE ADULT HEALTH CARE TEAM?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is diagnosed before the age of 18 years in up to 25% of patients. Given that the disease is often chronic and can be more aggressive in patients diagnosed at a younger age, the transition from pediatric to adult care is of high importance. For a healthy adolescent, the years of transition to adulthood are marked by significant changes and new challenges. For chronically ill adolescents, this complex period is compounded by the burden of having a disease. The goal of transition to adult health care is to achieve a continuum of care with the acquisition of independent skills, along with personal development. This transition process remains a challenge involving the patient, patient’s family, and health care team.