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Educational article

Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care: Continuity of Adrenal Care

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 6 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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A young person and a family member review transfer documents and details of an upcoming appointment at home.
Preparing documents and confirming next steps can help maintain continuity of follow-up for an adrenal condition.

What does moving from pediatric follow-up to adult care involve?

It is a coordinated change between teams or services, not an interruption in care or an automatic change in diagnosis or treatment. The age and timing may vary from person to person and by health care system. The goal is for the receiving service to have the information it needs and for the young person to take an increasingly active role in appointments and decisions, with whatever family support they prefer.

Agree in advance on who will continue follow-up

The transfer does not always happen automatically when someone reaches the age of majority. Ask the pediatric team which service will receive the patient, when the first follow-up visit is expected, and who will be responsible for sharing the information. If a date or receiving team has not yet been identified, ask for guidance before pediatric follow-up ends.

Prepare a useful clinical summary

Request an up-to-date summary and, if possible, a copy for the young person. It may include the adrenal diagnosis, current treatments as set out in the individual plan, allergies, relevant medical history, evaluations the team considers important, pending follow-up, and contact information. Not all adrenal conditions require the same treatment: the summary should describe that person’s instructions, not a general regimen.

Build independence gradually

The young person does not have to take on every task at once. They can practice explaining their diagnosis, reviewing their treatment list, and preparing questions for appointments. Family members can accompany them or help with organization if the young person wishes. It is also helpful to discuss what information they want to share and which responsibilities they would prefer to take on.

Questions to resolve before the transition

Bring specific questions to the transition appointment: Which team will coordinate follow-up visits? How are treatment renewals handled, and how far in advance should they be requested? Whom should you contact if there are delays, difficulty getting an appointment, or problems obtaining a renewal? What should you do if the receiving service has not yet confirmed the first follow-up visit? Clarify which documents to bring, which contact channel to use, and which situations require following the consultation instructions in the individual plan.

Do not change the plan on your own

A wait or a change in service is not a reason to stop, replace, or adjust treatments without clinical guidance. If there are difficulties accessing follow-up care or concerns about treatment, contact the treating team or the service listed in the individual plan for guidance.

Steps to maintain continuity

1. Confirm with the pediatric team when and how the transfer will take place. 2. Request the clinical summary and verify how it will reach the receiving service. 3. Clarify who will coordinate the next follow-up visit and how to request renewals. 4. Keep the contact information and individualized instructions you have already received. 5. Agree on which tasks the young person can take on and what support they would like to keep. If information is missing or the first appointment is not arranged, contact the team again to agree on next steps.

When should you ask for guidance?

Contact the treating team if it is unclear who will take over follow-up, you do not have the clinical summary, a follow-up visit or renewal is approaching without clear instructions, or you are having difficulty accessing the receiving service. Also ask for clarification if instructions conflict or are not clear. This guide does not define how to respond to an emergency or replace individualized instructions: if a situation occurs that the team has identified as urgent, follow those instructions and seek the specified care.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Does adult care mean changing the adrenal diagnosis or treatment?

Not necessarily. The plan may continue or be changed depending on the clinical situation and the assessment of the team taking over follow-up. Do not make changes on your own.

What should I do if I do not know who will coordinate the next follow-up visit?

Contact the pediatric team before follow-up ends and ask which service will receive your case, how the first appointment will be confirmed, and whom to contact if you do not receive a response.

Can the family continue accompanying the young person?

Yes, if the young person wishes. You can agree on what support would be helpful and which parts of appointments or decisions they want to manage directly.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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