The purpose of these transition recommendations is to support families understand the stages of Transition and support discussions with your CHD healthcare team. Transition should be personalized for each individual, in accordance with their chronological age, developmental stage and abilities. Active engagement in the transition process is vital for teens and young adults and families to prepare for a healthy life as an adult with CHD
Life Stages
Introduction to Health: Age 2-7 years old
Goal - Understanding their body
Transition preparation begins when your child is a toddler; coach them to be able to:
Direct questions from your healthcare towards your child, allow them time to answer and support their answer with your observations of how they are doing. Allowing children to describe their feelings empowers them and provides a foundation for learning.
Introduction to Transition: Age 8-11 years old
Goal - Awareness of CHD
Early Transition: Age 12-14 years old
Goal - Knowledge of CHD
Middle Transition: Age 15-17 years old
Goal - Independently manage CHD
Adolescence is associated with exploration of social roles and identity formation; which can involve an increase in risk-taking behaviours. Teens themselves are experiencing transition in a much broader context. Examples include changes and decision making with respect to friendships, romantic relationships, living situations, and academic and career decisions.
Engagement in Health Behaviours
Late Transition: Age 18-21 years old
Goal - Assume responsibility for own health – with support
Engagement in Health Behaviours
For youth with a chronic health condition, the transition to adult care can be a challenge. They experience changes that impact their health care including: insurance, transitioning from paediatric to an adult care, and once reaching the age of 18 - the responsibility of health care decision making. These life changes can be confusing and overwhelming, youth and parents may question how best to navigate.
The experience of healthcare professionals and multiple research studies support the use of technology in educating and supporting youths and their families. Apps, websites (see our Tools and Resources section) and online support groups (follow CCHA on social media) that are inclusive of all age groups living with CHD or other chronic conditions are known to increase youth engagement.
Visit our Tools and Resources page for helpful websites, toolkits and apps to assist youth, parents and families and facilitate the transition to adult CHD care.
For more information about Transition, visit our Transition and Risk page.
References 1.Mackie et al: Transition and Transfer From Pediatric to Adult Congenital Heart Disease Care in Canada: Call for Strategic Implementation. Canadian Journal of Cardiology 35 (2019) | 2. Lui, G et al.: Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease. JAMA v3(6) (2014) | www.childrens.com | jamanetwork.com | www.healthychildren.org | health.usnews.com | patientengagementhit.com | www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov | pediatrics.aappublications.org | www.the-hospitalist.org | www.cheo.on.ca | www.childrenshealthcarecanada.ca | www.bcchildrens.ca | www.sickkids.ca