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.