She suggests adult rheumatologists create a welcome letter tailored to young adult patients explaining confidentiality, common questions about the practice and suggested communication channels between the practice and the patient. To craft a welcome letter, she recommends starting with the samples posted on the GotTransition website, which have been vetted by young adults.
2. Create a welcoming waiting room: Think about having magazines and pictures in the waiting room and care areas that may interest young adults. “This [detail] can be a valuable way to make a young adult feel comfortable in your care,” she says.
3. Clarify communication channels: Consider flexible clinic times, and use multiple text reminders for appointments. Also, have a plan in place to reach out to the patient when a young patient misses a visit, Dr. White says.
“Continue encouraging a patient with reminders to help reduce appointment no-shows, and share specific ways a tech-savvy patient can contact the practice with their questions,” she says
4. Build rapport: Acknowledging that the transition to a new provider can be stressful is a good way to engage young adult patients during their first visit, as well as reviewing the practice welcome letter and discussing confidentiality and consent issues. Also, the adult rheumatologist should mention if they have heard from the pediatric rheumatologist and tell the patient if they received their medical records.
“Let the patient know you understand their present therapy plan and try to avoid making any changes on this first visit as you give them time to adjust and learn to trust you,” Dr. White suggests.
She says a direct conversation between the pediatric and adult rheumatologists can be a great opportunity for the pediatric rheumatologist to inform the adult rheumatologist of any special non-medical information about the patient. The adult rheumatologist can refer to this information and can make a personal connection during the first appointment, engaging the young adult.
5. Offer developmentally appropriate care: Remember, health is just one of many upheavals for a young adult with a rheumatic condition. Additionally, they may be adjusting to separation from their parents, and possibly dealing with the stresses of college or their first job.
“Every young adult is different, and it may take a little more time to support their continued needs to learn how to manage their care and the healthcare system, which was started in the pediatric system. They will get there with continued guidance from their adult rheumatologist,” Dr. White stresses.
