Transitional Care
Summary
The transition from childhood to adolescence and then adulthood is a difficult time; for those with medical or other conditions, it is even stressful.This has resulted in a growing population of young adults with chronic liver disease who need to be looked after in adult services. Improvements in the diagnosis and management of children with liver disease have led to a significant increase in the numbers of children who survive to adulthood with a diagnosis of liver disease or post liver transplant. A transition program is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals with complementary skills, working together. There are several models for successful transition that have been developed for use across different specialties. One model that is used widely is the Ready Steady Go program. The transition team typically works with young people for some years before they leave pediatric services and will continue to follow them for some time in adult services.