Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease and the Process of Health Care Transition

Health care transition is a process that involves purposeful, planned efforts to prepare the pediatric patient to move from caregiver-directed care to disease self-management. Acquisition of sufficient disease self-management skills for a complex regimen requires cognitive ability consideration for each patient. Transition programs that involve patients, families, pediatric and adult health care providers, and interdisciplinary collaboration are key to ensuring a successful transfer to adult-focused health services. Tools to measure and diagnose the process of transition and acquisition of disease self-management skills are introduced. An evidence-based transition process requires planning and education, in addition to effective coordination. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.