Transition of Care in Pediatric Rare Endocrine Disorders

Overview

This study will evaluate the transition from pediatric to adult care in patients with pediatric-onset rare endocrine disorders. The study includes three components: a review of medical records to assess previous transition outcomes, a survey of adult patients about transition experiences and quality of life, and an evaluation of a structured transition program for participants aged 18 years or older. The transition program provides assessment of transition readiness, individualized education, clinical information transfer, coordinated care between pediatric and adult endocrinology teams, and follow-up after transfer. Researchers will evaluate transfer and retention in adult care, transition readiness, quality of life, appointment attendance, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes.

This study consists of three components. First, current transition practices and outcomes will be evaluated through retrospective medical record review. Second, a survey of adult patients will assess their transition experiences, unmet needs, and quality of life. Third, a standardized transition program will be prospectively evaluated in eligible participants preparing to transfer from pediatric to adult endocrinology care. The transition program includes standardized assessment of transition readiness, disease knowledge, quality of life, and psychological status, together with individualized education, preparation of a clinical information summary and disease-specific checklist, coordinated transfer between pediatric and adult endocrinology teams, and follow-up after transfer. The study is designed to characterize current transition practices and unmet needs and to evaluate whether a standardized transition program can improve the transition from pediatric to adult endocrine care.