A Communication Model to Bridge Adolescent Patients, Caregivers, and Physicians in Transitions of Care

Abstract

A transition of care (TOC) process from pediatric to adult medicine ensures that adolescents receive ongoing care into young adulthood, a time of high risk for preventable morbidity and mortality. We explored patient, caregiver, and physician perspectives on ways to improve TOC communication with healthy adolescents. Two researchers conducted key informant interviews with healthy 12- to 18-year-old adolescents, their caregivers, and primary care physicians working in pediatric, internal, and family medicine. Data saturation was reached after interviewing 12 adolescents, 10 caregivers, and 36 physicians. Three themes were identified: perceptions of TOC; effective communication among the triad of adolescents, caregivers, and providers; and early communication about TOC preparation. From these themes, a model of communication was identified and adapted, outlining the communication skills and responsibilities for physicians and patients during TOC. Physicians must understand how to use strong, consistent, adolescent-centered communication to execute effective TOC.

Understanding Gut Feelings: Transformations in Coping With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Young Adults

“…Although we might prefer cures and conventionality, we are often forced to adopt new ways of dealing with life crises and imaging self, body, and world. Taking personal responsibility for IBD management appears to be intimately related to the shift away from normalization and more passive coping practices and has previously been identified as an important moment in young adults’ healing trajectories (Audulv et al, 2012; Leung et al, 2020). Coping with unruly bodies and dealing with difference thus entails a dynamic dance between preference and necessity.…”