Abstracts

Transition from pediatric to adult health care services can be difficult for patients and families. Barriers to transition have been identified in the literature, with little pertaining to epilepsy. The University of Alberta Comprehensive Epilepsy Program encompasses both pediatric and adult services within the same facility. Adolescent and family needs can be addressed within the nursing scope of practice. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate a transition program for adolescents with epilepsy and their families who are being transferred from a pediatric to an adult epilepsy program., All patients referred from the pediatric to adult epilepsy clinic were included in this study. Patient independence and the learning needs of both patients and parents were evaluated with standardized questionnaires. During the transition clinic visit (which occurred prior to the first appointment with the adult neurologist), a standardized education program was provided with patient and family needs incorporated into teaching. Evaluations were completed following the transition appointment and after the adult neurologist initial visit., To date six patients have completed the transition process (one of which had significant developmental delay). The majority of adolescents had minimal knowledge to manage their own healthcare (i.e. name and dosage of medications) and lacked basic information regarding epilepsy (i.e. first aid). In identifying their own learning needs, considerable discrepancies were observed between adolescents and parents in particular relating to the areas of driving, alcohol and birth control. Patients and parents were unanimous regarding the benefits of going through the transition clinic., Our findings support the benefits of a formalized transition process between pediatric and adult epilepsy programs. The development and implementation of a nurse-led adolescent epilepsy transition program provides an opportunity to educate, encourage independence and alleviate fears during a period of time when other natural transitions are occurring.,