The readiness of pediatric rheumatology patients and their parents to transition to adult‐oriented treatment

Introduction Transition is a planned process of pediatric patients from child‐centered to adult‐oriented treatment. Transitional care for patients with chronic diseases is essential. The present study aimed to evaluate the readiness of patients with rheumatic diseases and their parents for transition process. Method This is a cross‐sectional, single‐center study. All patients and their parents were questioned about their awareness of and willingness to undergo transitional care. Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was applied to all the participants. TRAQ is a tool for measuring readiness for transitional care in adolescents with chronic diseases. TRAQ includes 20 items that are divided into 2 domains: self‐management and self‐advocacy. Results A total of 157 (87 girls/70 boys) patients and their parents were enrolled. Of them 64 were diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever, 52 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 21 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 20 with Behçet's disease. The median age of the patients was 16 years (15‐18). However, all patients and parents accepted that transition to adult‐oriented care is necessary; only one‐third of them were aware about transitional care. Eighty (50.9%) patients and 147 (93.6%) of the parents stated that they were wishing to continue pediatric rheumatology treatment. The mean TRAQ self‐management domain and self‐advocacy domain total scores in the patients were 1.76 ± 0.51 and 1.72 ± 0.49, respectively (P = .48). The mean TRAQ total score was not different between patients and parents. When we assessed the factors affecting transition process, the TRAQ score was lower among patients with active disease, and requiring hospitalization during the previous year. Conclusion Assessment od the readiness of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases for transition care will increase the awareness of patients and their parents as well, and provide determination of the optimal time for transition.