Transition programs for patients with congenital heart disease are argued to prevent the loss to follow-up seen in 50-75% of patients reaching adulthood.
Do transition programs prevent loss to follow-up in patients with congenital heart disease?
Transition programs are essential to educate congenital heart disease patients and prevent significant morbidity associated with loss to follow-up in adulthood.
Congenital heart disease is the most frequently occurring birth defect. To date, more than 90% of the children born with a heart defect reach adulthood. Since many patients are prone to residua and sequelae, lifelong specialized care is required. However, studies indicate that about one-half to three-quarters of the patients are lost to follow-up when they have grown up. This has resulted in a virtual lost generation. Lapse of care is associated with significant morbidity. Therefore, implementation of strategies to prevent patients from failing to continue regular follow-up is critical. It is argued that transition programs that inform patients about the rationale for ongoing follow-up and that teach them how to navigate the medical system can avoid another lost generation.
Moons et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in Congenital Heart Disease. Transition programs was evaluated. Transition programs for patients with congenital heart disease are argued to prevent the loss to follow-up seen in 50-75% of patients reaching adulthood.