Transition of care to adult services for pediatric solid-organ transplant recipients

Abstract

The importance of transition to adult health care for young people with chronic conditions is increasingly recognized. Ensuring effective engagement with adult services for adolescents and young-adult solid-organ transplant recipients is as critical for immediate graft survival as it is for their future health and well-being. This article (1) examines the definitions of adolescence and emerging adulthood and some of the challenges of these phases of life, (2) discusses elements that may influence motivation and engagement and enhance communication and adherence for adolescents and young adults, (3) highlights important areas in education, vocational planning, and quality of life for transplant recipients, (4) reviews tasks and challenges during the transition, and (5) provides specific transition recommendations, for both transplant health care professionals and for primary care providers practicing outside transplant centers.