Falling Through the Cracks: The Current Gap in the Health Care Transition of Patients With Kawasaki Disease
Published: October 11, 2021
- An increasing number of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients are becoming adults and undergoing a health care transition (HCT) from a child to an adult model of healthcare which represents a risk of loss to follow up and can result in increasing morbidity and mortality.
- The Six Core Elements essential to a successful HCT include: 1) developing a policy or guide, 2) tracking/monitoring, 3) assessing readiness, 4) planning, 5) transfer of care, and 6) transition completion.
- This Scientific Statement provides a summary of available literature and expert opinion pertaining to KD and HCT of children as they reach adulthood, reviews the existing life-long risks for KD patients, presents current guidelines for long-term care of KD patients, and offers guidance on assessment and preparation of KD patients for HCT.
Supporting Materials
- Top Things to Know: Falling Through the Cracks: The Current Gap in the Health Care Transition of Patients With Kawasaki Disease
- AHA News: A guide for what doctors and parents can do as Kawasaki disease kids grow up
- News Release: Formal plans needed to support teens with Kawasaki disease in transition to adult care