Takako Miyamae1,2, Syuji Takei3, Yasuhiko Itoh4, Hisashi Yamanaka1. 1. a Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University , Tokyo , Japan. 2. b Department of Pediatrics , Tokyo Women's Medical University , Tokyo , Japan. 3. c Kagoshima University Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences , Kagoshima , Japan. 4. d Department of Pediatrics , Nippon Medical School , Tokyo , Japan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems has recently received worldwide attention. Surveys of the attitudes of Japanese non-pediatric rheumatologists regarding transitional care were conducted. METHODS: Non-pediatric rheumatologists among councilors of the Japan College of Rheumatology were enrolled in the surveys. Experiences of adult patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases, ideal medical care for these patients, and factors that made the transition to adult care difficult were examined via e-mail. RESULTS: Overall, 201 non-pediatric rheumatologists (21.2%) responded to the surveys. Ninety-one percent had previous experience with patients with childhood-onset rheumatic disorders. Transition to non-pediatric institutes was supported by about 90% of respondents. However, only 32% of non-pediatric rheumatologists had no hesitation about caring for adults with childhood-onset rheumatology disorders. Two main factors prevented smooth transitions to non-pediatric care: inadequacy of non-pediatric care (57%) and lack of independence from parents/family (53%). The majority of non-pediatric rheumatologists hesitated about medical care for patients with autoinflammatory syndromes, whereas they became familiar with articular juvenile idiopathic arthritis without hesitation (86.6%); 93% of respondents requested more opportunities to learn about pediatric rheumatology disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Sharing additional knowledge about pediatric rheumatology within the non-pediatric rheumatology field is required.
OBJECTIVES: The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems has recently received worldwide attention. Surveys of the attitudes of Japanese non-pediatric rheumatologists regarding transitional care were conducted. METHODS: Non-pediatric rheumatologists among councilors of the Japan College of Rheumatology were enrolled in the surveys. Experiences of adult patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases, ideal medical care for these patients, and factors that made the transition to adult care difficult were examined via e-mail. RESULTS: Overall, 201 non-pediatric rheumatologists (21.2%) responded to the surveys. Ninety-one percent had previous experience with patients with childhood-onset rheumatic disorders. Transition to non-pediatric institutes was supported by about 90% of respondents. However, only 32% of non-pediatric rheumatologists had no hesitation about caring for adults with childhood-onset rheumatology disorders. Two main factors prevented smooth transitions to non-pediatric care: inadequacy of non-pediatric care (57%) and lack of independence from parents/family (53%). The majority of non-pediatric rheumatologists hesitated about medical care for patients with autoinflammatory syndromes, whereas they became familiar with articular juvenile idiopathic arthritis without hesitation (86.6%); 93% of respondents requested more opportunities to learn about pediatric rheumatology disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Sharing additional knowledge about pediatric rheumatology within the non-pediatric rheumatology field is required.