Transitioning Patients with Sickle Cell Disease to Adult Care

Research and Data Insights

The article below outlines the development and initial implementation of a training program for a Community Health Worker role, designed as part of a clinical trial targeting the specific needs of transition-age emerging adults with sickle cell disease. The program adapts the Individualized Management for Patient-Centered Targets (IMPaCT) CHW model to this population.

Source: Training young adults as community health workers specializing in pediatric to adult health care transition to support emerging adults with sickle cell disease

The transition from pediatric to adult-oriented care is often challenging for adolescents with sickle cell disease. While the need for structured transition programs is well recognized, many patients leave pediatric care without adequate preparation. The article below evaluates the preparedness of adolescent sickle cell disease patients for this transition and identifies key factors that predict readiness.

Source: Transition of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease from Pediatric to Adult Care: Assessing Patient Readiness

 

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is typically unimportant and has little impact on an adolescent’s overall development.

Fact: Transition to adulthood is a vulnerable time for emerging adults (16–25 years of age) with sickle cell disease, as there is a seven-fold increase in mortality rates during the transition period.

Resource: Training Young Adults as Community Health Workers Specializing in Pediatric to Adult Health Care Transition to Support Emerging Adults with Sickle Cell Disease