Survey of attitudes of non-pediatric rheumatologists among councilors of the Japan College of Rheumatology regarding transitional care.

OBJECTIVES

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems has recently received worldwide attention. Surveys of the attitudes of Japanese non-pediatric rheumatologists regarding transitional care were conducted.

METHODS

Non-pediatric rheumatologists among councilors of the Japan College of Rheumatology were enrolled in the surveys. Experiences of adult patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases, ideal medical care for these patients, and factors that made the transition to adult care difficult were examined via e-mail.

RESULTS

Overall, 201 non-pediatric rheumatologists (21.2%) responded to the surveys. Ninety-one percent had previous experience with patients with childhood-onset rheumatic disorders. Transition to non-pediatric institutes was supported by about 90% of respondents. However, only 32% of non-pediatric rheumatologists had no hesitation about caring for adults with childhood-onset rheumatology disorders. Two main factors prevented smooth transitions to non-pediatric care: inadequacy of non-pediatric care (57%) and lack of independence from parents/family (53%). The majority of non-pediatric rheumatologists hesitated about medical care for patients with autoinflammatory syndromes, whereas they became familiar with articular juvenile idiopathic arthritis without hesitation (86.6%); 93% of respondents requested more opportunities to learn about pediatric rheumatology disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Sharing additional knowledge about pediatric rheumatology within the non-pediatric rheumatology field is required.