Checklist for follow-up of adolescents with chronic illness. A monitoring tool to help prepare the transition from pediatric to adult care

Abstract

Adolescence can be a particularly challenging period for individuals with a chronic illness. To help the specialized healthcare teams, an expert panel drafted a checklist of topics to be addressed throughout adolescence that are often not covered in subspecialty clinic visits such as peers, coping, adherence, understanding of illness, sexuality, etc., since these topics apply to youth with special healthcare needs. Each member of the specialized team can discuss one of the themes according to their role with the adolescent as a doctor, educator, nurse, dietician, etc. The coherence of the team enables a comprehensive approach and will facilitate the transition to adult medical care.

Keywords: Adolescent; Biopsychosocial interview; Chronic illness; Healthcare; Transition.