Making the Transition from Paediatric to Adult Clinics

A number of issues arise when people with cystic fibrosis ‘transfer’ from a paediatric to adult clinic. For some, the difficulty becomes both physical and emotional. They may have known members of their paediatric CF clinic team almost since birth.

Most paediatric hospitals care for adolescents only up to age 18. To prepare for the move, the young child is gradually introduced to the ‘transition concept’. Working with the local adult clinic, staff ensures their young charges will be comfortable in their new surroundings. Sometimes a tour is conducted to introduce physicians, nurses and other members of the adult clinic team.

Reviewed/updated: 2009-07-30