SESSION DESCRIPTION
Transitioning seriously ill young adults to adult care is complex, especially for those with serious medical conditions. This shift can cause anxiety and gaps in care. Palliative care can play a key role throughout the transition, especially with preparing families for future decision-making, supporting coping and adjustment, and assisting with logistical considerations such as conservatorship and continuation of home-based palliative when needed.
OBJECTIVES
- Describe the challenges that adolescents and young adults with complex chronic conditions encounter when transitioning from pediatric to adult health care.
- Understand how core palliative care skills can be employed to prepare families and address the emotional aspects associated with healthcare transition.
- Identify at least three specific resources and strategies that can be used to support patients and families for successful healthcare transitions.
FACULTY
Kimberly Bower, MD, HMDC, FAAHPM
Medical Director of Pediatric Programs, The Elizabeth Hospice
Debra Lotstein, MD, MPH, FAAP, FAAHPM
Medical Director, Center for Health Adolecent Transition, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Stephanie Schmitt, MD
Director of Education, Palliative Care, UC San Diego