Current practice and barriers for transition of care (TOC) in pediatric surgery: Perspectives of adult surgeons from different subspecialties
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Abstract
IntroductionThe advancements in neonatal resuscitation and surgical care have enabled children with congenital abnormalities to receive corrective surgeries and achieve lifespans well into adulthood. These patients may require long-term follow-up as they continue to have risks of developing sequelae from their original diseases or surgical interventions.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the current practice and barriers to the transition of care (TOC) from the perspectives of adult surgeons.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with purposive sampling of adult surgeons from different subspecialties. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed.ResultsThere were 60 respondents. 62% of the respondents had experience managing referrals for continuation of care or complications in patients with congenital abnormalities. 38% of the respondents believed that TOC should be implemented when patients reached ages 17-18 years. 93% of the respondents agreed that a proper TOC model would greatly benefit patient care, and 97% asserted the need to develop TOC pathways in Malaysia. The absence of a proper guideline was the greatest barrier to a smooth TOC.ConclusionThis study offered insights into the obstacles to TOC based on the perspectives and experiences of adult surgeons who participated. While not exhaustive, our study provided a better understanding of the challenges in developing the appropriate referral pathways for the continued care of these patients.
Keywords
Follow-up, Long-term care, Surveillance, Congenital abnormalities
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
Monash University,Department of Surgery, Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Publication Title
Pediatric Surgery International
Volume
41
Issue
1
Publisher
Springer
Publisher Location
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA, SUITE 4600, NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES