MSK Kids — Transition from paediatric care

Did you know that almost half of adolescent rheumatology patients who move to adult care are lost to follow up within 2 years? It’s a pretty shocking statistic, isn’t it?

Transition is a process that ideally should take place over several years as your child learns to be more independent and responsible for their own care. It covers the basics like knowing what medication they’re on and how to make or change an appointment but also things such as alcohol, sexual health and whether or not to disclose they have a medical condition at uni/TAFE or when they start their first job.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of resources available. We’ve brought together some of the best for you here. And, of course, speak with your child’s rheumatologist about what services they offer.

Watch this webinar with Jamie McDonald, Transition Support Coordinator from The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.
AND check out this great podcast from The Limbic.

Resources

Check out Trapeze who have some great resources including a video from young people about their experiences through transition.
The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne has a range of terrific resources on transition. You can print them out and fill them in with your young person.
Share our new blog with your teen on Special provisions for Senior Secondary Certificates of Education (SSCE).

Apps

Check out these apps to help track arthritis symptoms and more

Versus Arthritis, a UK based organisation, has created Arthritis Tracker, an app for teens living with arthritis. It tracks symptoms, provides tips on pain management, information about things like alcohol. However, it doesn’t manage medical appointments or give medication reminders.
CareClinic is available on the app store and helps track symptoms as well as set medication and appointment reminders. There is a small fee involved in using this app.