Article Text
Abstract
Aims Peadiatric neurology transition is recommended as a planned and well-structured move to the adult neurologist beginning in early adolescence. However, this process may be distilled into a single ‘transfer’ clinic. We investigated whether this was satisfactory for the young person involved and surveyed the UK experience of neurology transition.
Methods A questionnaire was designed and completed by young people and neurologists at transfer clinics in Birmingham. Additionally, an online local transition/transfer policy survey was sent to UK adult and paediatric neurologists.
Results The young person's questionnaires (n=18) demonstrated wide variation in knowledge about their condition and transition aspects of the disease; all patients were satisfied with their care. Most respondents of the online survey (52%; 43/82) did not have a Transition guideline/policy; only 36% (27/82) held early adolescent transition clinics. The main barriers to a transition process were lack of clinic time/space and skilled support staff; 60% (48/82) thought provision for transition/transfer did not meet national standards.
Conclusions Transition from paediatric to adult neurology services occurs mainly as single transfer clinics which is acceptable to young people. Professionals feel that they and patients would benefit from a transition process if resources/training were available, this is now underway in Birmingham.