Evaluation of a multidimensional cystic fibrosis transition program: a quality improvement initiative

Abstract

The adequate preparation of cystic fibrosis (CF) youth for the transfer from pediatric to adult-based health care services is essential to meet the needs of this changing population. This paper describes the evolution of a transition clinic for patients with CF into a multidimensional quality improvement transition initiative. Three transition interventions (a patient transition clinical pathway; collaboration with the adult clinic; and a tool to measure transfer readiness) were sequentially implemented and evaluated. Each was found to be a valuable addition to a comprehensive transition protocol and today are endorsed as part of transition best practices.

Keywords: Adolescent transition; Cystic fibrosis (CF); Quality improvement (QI) initiative; Youth health.