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AAP policy helps with transitioning HIV-infected youth to adult care
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HIV-infected children are surviving into adulthood because of antiretroviral therapy, and optimal health care for these patients includes a plan for transition into adult health care, according to a recent AAP policy statement published in Pediatrics.
“Successful transition involves the early management and participation of the youth and his or her family with the pediatric medical home and adult health care teams in developing a formal plan,” researchers wrote. “Referring providers should have a written policy for the transfer of HIV-infected youth into adult care, which will guide in the development of an individualized plan for each youth.”
The Committee on Pediatric AIDS developed four major steps in the transition process, including:
- Current physicians work with adult HIV care providers to develop a formal written policy for transition from youth to adult health care.
- The youth and their families should be introduced to the concept of transition early in adolescence to prepare them for the actual transfer of care.
- The actual transition should occur when the person is aged 18 to 25 years.
- The transition process is completed, documented and evaluated.
“Transition planning should be a standard part of providing health care for all HIV-infected youth,” researchers wrote. “Pediatricians and adolescent and family medicine providers have a pivotal role in facilitating seamless and effective transition at a very vulnerable and anxious time of life for both HIV-infected youth and their families. These essential transitional activities can improve health outcomes for HIV-infected adolescents.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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