Pos0293-Pare Providing Support to Transition Young Adults From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology: One Clinic’s Perspective

Background: Young adults who transition from pediatric to adult healthcare providers lack adequate support to help them make a successful transfer. Objectives: A needs assessment survey was conducted in Canada in 2021 which identified that the highest priority was "supporting patient education for transition to adult rheumatology health system." With the establishment of a formal transition clinic, we hoped to empower young adults to independently navigate the healthcare system at our institution. Methods: We set up two transition clinics from January to April 2023. We coordinated with the pediatric rheumatology team to schedule patients into the transition clinics and obtained an IRB from our institution. Inclusion criteria included being 18-25 years old, established with a pediatric rheumatologist, and carrying a rheumatologic diagnosis. Appointments lasted 1.5 hours and included a new patient visit, a session with the social worker and pharmacist, and additional medical education with the rheumatology fellow. The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was administered prior to the visit. A modified American College of Rheumatology Self- Care Assessment for Young Adults and an assessment of the transition clinic were given after the visit. Results: Of the six patients recruited into the transition clinic, two patients cited time constraints and declined the additional services. Four patients agreed to move forward with the extended visit, of which two were female and two were male. Three were between the ages of 18-21. One was between the ages of 22-25 years old. All had seen pediatric rheumatology for less than five years. Three had additional visits with their pediatric rheumatologist. The TRAQ survey revealed topics that the patients were most uncomfortable with included navigating health insurance, making a list of questions to ask their doctor, and managing finances. With the modified ACR Self-Care Assessment for Young Adults, patients felt uncomfortable with making refills, giving themselves injectable medications, not requiring anesthesia for joint injections, and treating flares. When evaluating the transition clinic, there was some dissatisfaction regarding addressing smoking, drugs, alcohol, sexual health, insurance, and confidence with disease management. Overall, patients recommended the transition clinic and enjoyed meeting the rheumatology team, learning about their disease and different topics. One patient expressed wanting to learn more about his/her disease. Conclusion: Young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology need additional support as they are learning to assume ownership of their medical care. While this trial had a limited patient sample, it identified topics that patients identified being uncomfortable with. The transition clinic is overall a positive experience for patients with additional education time and support from social work and pharmacy. REFERENCES: NIL. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.