Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: The Challenging Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care- JIA is a chronic inflammatory disease that continues with active disease into adulthood and requires lifelong psychological, social, and vocational support. For young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology care, mastering self-management skills is a critical part of future independence. Rheumatology providers can ease this transition by implementing protocols that address the patient’s need for improved self-management as well as the health-system aspects of transition to adult care.
Once young adults have transitioned into the adult rheumatology setting, they may require ongoing treatment to
control disease activity and the clinical manifestations of JIA. Adult patients also require support for disease- and
treatment-related complications of JIA, including physical disability, uveitis, osteoporosis, and increased cancer
risk. Transitional care is increasingly recognized as a distinct healthcare need, and a growing body of literature can
provide guidance for healthcare providers involved in the continuity of care. Rheumatology providers can take
advantage of a variety of resources, from provider checklists to patient and family education materials, to facilitate
the transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.
Once young adults have transitioned into the adult rheumatology setting, they may require ongoing treatment to
control disease activity and the clinical manifestations of JIA. Adult patients also require support for disease- and
treatment-related complications of JIA, including physical disability, uveitis, osteoporosis, and increased cancer
risk. Transitional care is increasingly recognized as a distinct healthcare need, and a growing body of literature can
provide guidance for healthcare providers involved in the continuity of care. Rheumatology providers can take
advantage of a variety of resources, from provider checklists to patient and family education materials, to facilitate
the transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.
Explain how the unique presenting characteristics of the most common subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) should be used to reach a proper diagnosis.
Identify key components of the 2011 American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines for patients with JIA.
Discuss the appropriate role of parents and their children as they transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology practices.
Review and update, as warranted, juvenile-to-adult practice transfer plans used in your setting for patients with JIA based upon best practices and expert recommendations.
Identify key components of the 2011 American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines for patients with JIA.
Discuss the appropriate role of parents and their children as they transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology practices.
Review and update, as warranted, juvenile-to-adult practice transfer plans used in your setting for patients with JIA based upon best practices and expert recommendations.
1.5 Free CEUs for Nurses
Expires 6/15/14