Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The period of adolescence is a difficult time for most people and is the time when transition from the paediatric diabetic service to the adult occurs; therefore a smooth transition is essential. The National Service Framework for Diabetes identified transition from paediatric care to adult as an area where protocols could support better care. Placing emphasis on the transition services may help in ensuring effective long-term control and health improvement.

Methodology: The patients were identified from clinic lists; either due to transfer in the next year or transferred in the last three years and had attended the transition clinic. Out of 56 eligible pre-transition patients 13 responded and out of 48 post-transition 12 responded. Everyone available when contacted was happy to participate. A telephone survey regarding the transition process at the University Hospital of Wales was undertaken, addressing patient satisfaction and correlation with government guidelines. In addition we looked at the participating patients HbA1c values from the last 3 years to illustrate long-term control.

Results: Ten out of 13 pre-transition patients were not aware of transition. Those aware of transition felt the organisation of transition to the adult clinic was ‘adequate’.

Changes/benefit to clinical practice: NSF guidance states that ‘sufficient time should be given for young people to familiarise themselves with….transition’, in the majority of cases this was not the situation. Many of the adults surveyed recommended earlier transition.

Conclusion: Overall the respondents were satisfied with the current transition process implemented at UHW, however improvements could be made regarding communication. The time span between the discussion with the patient, regarding the idea of transition and the process occurring was also highlighted as an area in need of improvement. To quote a respondent, ‘I knew I was going (to the adult service) but not what would happen’.