Conclusions:
Although many of these patients are connected to ambulatory care, almost
a third of patients are not connected to specialty care, which is
sub-optimal and may impact their ability to receive comprehensive care.
The role of trust and communication in providing a satisfactory patient
experience is paramount and is an important quality of care indicator
for successful transition of SCD patients. Strategies to optimize
communication among patients, pediatric and adult providers as well as
increase trust between patients and their new providers are essential to
the development of a successful transition program. Interventions that
will initiate early transition preparation and facilitate connection to
appropriate adult providers, with potential opportunities to meet with
providers prior to the final steps of transition, may increase trust in
new providers and patient satisfaction and lead to a successful
transition process.
Conflict of Interest Statement : There were no conflicts of
interest in the completion of this study or preparation of this
manuscript
Acknowledgements: This research was made possible by
philanthropic support of the Rauch Foundation and the Italian Catholic
Federation.