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Mediterr J Rheumatol 2016;27(4):218-23
Coordinated transitional care of N. Greek pediatric SLE patients: could it be improved?
Authors Information

1: Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology Referral Center, First Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

2: Outpatient Clinic of Connective Tissue Diseases, Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
Abstract

Transition is the organized, stepwise process involving the transfer from the pediatric-centered health services to the adult-centered care. It is a holistic, multi-dimensional, multi-disciplinary and active process that addresses the medical, psychosocial and educational/vocational needs of adolescents. The objective is to evaluate the eligibility of the existing transition model held by the Greek Pediatric Rheumatology Referral Center, located in the First Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, to detect potential indices for further improvement.

Methods:  a) Education on the process of transitional care and subsequent evaluation of the current transition model; b) depiction of adolescents and young adults population with pSLE in the participating settings by updating the existing pSLE registry; c) support regarding the self-management of pSLE patients; and d) familiarity with the pSLE-young adults’ settings through a virtual tour in the adult care setting and staff presentation.

The importance of the study: The development and documentation of a coordinated, structured multidisciplinary, evidence-based, transitional care program.  This stepwise transition process will lead to a clear-cut written policy for the optimal transition according to each pSLE patient’s needs. The severity and outcome of each individual patient may be unique, but can be manageable.