Transition and transfer of patients who have cystic fibrosis to adult care.

Transition to age-appropriate care and transfer of care is a process that best occurs over time. Models to accomplish this are best designed at the local level because local factors weigh heavily on the model a center chooses. Ingredients for the successful transition must include focus on self-care and communication between cystic fibrosis (CF) teams, between pediatric and adult patients who have CF and the teams, and between parents of patients who have CF and the teams. A timeline for transition should begin years before transfer with the realization that one plan may not accommodate all patients' needs.