Implementation of a Diabetes Transition of Care Program

Abstract

For adolescents with diabetes, ineffective health care transition to adult health services may result in suboptimal adherence to medical supervision, leading to poor glycemic control, increased diabetes complications, and hospitalization. Despite national recommendations, few youth receive the needed preparation to transition to adult health services. A data transition registry was created at a large Midwest urban academic medical center to identify patients 14 years and older with Type 1 diabetes. Thirty-nine patients with Type 1 diabetes were identified, and 33 were eligible to begin transition planning. Baseline Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaires (TRAQs) were completed in 21 (64%) of the 33 identified patients, with a mean TRAQ skill score of 66.62 out of 100. There was no correlation between better TRAQ scores and hemoglobin A1c level. Participants had lower baseline TRAQ scores for appointment keeping and tracking health issues. Participants were confident managing daily activities, talking with providers, and managing medications.

Keywords: Adolescents; diabetes; transition registry; transitioning care.