Abstracts

Rationale: In March 2023, our pediatric epilepsy program launched a social work (SW) led transition clinic to support young adults transferring to adult care. The content and structure of the clinic was based on prior surveys of previously transferred patients and with input from adult epilepsy providers. To ensure that out our program continues to align with patient needs, we developed two post-transfer surveys to be completed at 1-month and 6-months from their initial adult epilepsy visit that assessed transition-related needs and perceptions of adult care.

Methods: All patients fully transitioned through the SW transition clinic were eligible to complete the survey. The 1-month survey asked patients: 1) how prepared they felt for the first visit, 2) if they were provided with all relevant information; 3) if the SW transition visit provides value, and 4) suggestions for improvement. The 6-month survey asked patients: 1) how satisfied they were with adult care; 2) was there additional information that could have been shared at the initial SW visit; and 3) if there was information they hoped their adult provider would have shared with them. The survey was distributed via email and responses were captured in a REDCap database.

Results: 2 of 6 patients completed the 1-month survey, both were aged 22 and white males; caregivers provided the responses for each survey. Each patient saw a provider in a different adult medical system. One patient reported feeling very prepared for the visit, the other felt somewhat prepared. Both respondents reported that they were provided all information needed for their first adult epilepsy visit. One patient thought the transition visit added value to the process, the other did not. Neither provided improvement suggestions. 6 of 13 patients completed the 6-month survey, their ages ranged from 19 to 22. Respondents were 50% (n=3) female and 50% (n=3) white; patients completed 4 of the surveys. 83% (n=5) transferred to the same adult system. 83% (n=5) of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with care at 6 months. 100% (n=6) respondents reflected that all relevant information had been reviewed at the initial SW transition visit. None of the respondents reported needing additional information from the adult provider (3 of 6 respondents replied to this free text question).

Conclusions: At both 1 and 6 months, all respondents reported that the SW transition clinic provided them with information they needed for their first adult visit and at 6 months, most patients felt satisfied with care from the adult provider. Though we will continue to distribute surveys, this initial data suggests that the SW clinic is providing epilepsy patients with the appropriate supports to facilitate their successful transfer to and ongoing engagement with adult epilepsy care.

Funding: This work was supported by grant funding from Health Resources and Services Administration.