Transition from pediatric to adult health care in inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong disease that has great psychosocial impact on the adolescent patient and his/her family. Starting around age 12-14 years, many changes take place related to school, work, and sexual development. At some point, usually around the age of 16-18 years, these patients need to move from the pediatric clinic to the adult caregivers. A stepwise program for transition of care, aimed at coaching the adolescent patient into self-management will benefit patients, parents, and the 'adult gastroenterologist' who will take over the care from the pediatric gastroenterologist. Differences in pediatric and adult health care, transition goals, tips and tools for successful transition will be discussed. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.