The transition of young people with epilepsy from paediatric to adult ...

Final Stage (15-16 years)By now the young person and their family should be feeling confident about leavingthe paediatric system, and the young person should have a considerable degree ofautonomy over their care. They should be aware of their own healthcare needs andhow best to access support, or seek advice and further education if required.For the child with learning difficulties, the process will begin approximately two yearslater, and how much autonomy the child can be expected to have will depend on theseverity of their difficulties.Six key areas have been identified providing the aims and subjects for discussionthroughout the transition period. These are:-Self advocacyIndependent health care behaviourSexual healthPsycho-social supportEducational and vocational planningHealth and lifestyleAuditThe guidelines will be audited in line with the KPI’s identified on an annual basis bythe epilepsy nurse specialist and reported to the clinical governance group andclinical manager and lead. Any action plans developed from this audit will be agreedby the clinical lead consultant for paediatric epilepsy with an annual review ofprogress.Key Performance Indicators1. Young people identified as requiring commencement of the transition process willhave a documented meeting with their key worker.2. Successful transition will be completed by the age of 16/19 years as appropriate tothat individual child.3. Patients will feel fully prepared to move into the adult setting by the end oftransition.ReferencesDH/Child Health and Maternity Services (2006) Transition: getting it right for youngpeople. Improving the transition of young people with long term conditions fromchildren’s to adult health services. Department of Health.BibliographyRoyal College of Nursing (2004) Adolescent Transition Care. Guidance for nursingstaff.Paone, M. Youth Transition Services. British Columbia’s Children’s HospitalGuidelines for the transition of young people with epilepsy from paediatric to adult care.F. Skinner Paediatric epilepsy nurse specialist, East Cheshire NHS TrustMarch 2010, review February 2013