Transition is the preparation process for being transferred into adult care from child care. There are 3 stages in transition:
Pre-Transfer of Care – you should become more involved in appointments and try to learn more about your disease and the medications you are taking. It is important that you take more responsibility for yourself.
Transfer of Care – is the date of your 1st appointment in the adult clinic. This is the formal switch from pediatric care to adult care. After this point, you should only contact the adult clinic with any questions or concerns you may have, so that it is clear who is providing your care.
Post-Transfer of Care – The final stage comes after your formal transfer of care. Some people may be more ready for this transfer than others. Here, you should be able to answer any questions about your disease, take initiative to ask the doctor any questions you might have, and start to become more comfortable with making your own appointments. It is up to you whether anyone is allowed to join you for an appointment and whether any medical information is shared. Finally, you are responsible to make informed decisions about your care and treatment options. Ultimately, transfer of care is only a small part of the transition process.