Youth Transition to Adult Diabetes Care

In 2006, the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia (DCPNS) began work on developing a provincial strategy to facilitate the transition of adolescents from pediatric to adult diabetes care in Nova Scotia. Resources for providers and then patients and their families were released in 2010 and 2012, respectively. The 2019 edition of the resources are being released in April.   

The Adolescent Transition Project Committee was formed with the intent to develop a provincial strategy for the effective transition of adolescent diabetes patients from pediatric Diabetic Centres to adult Diabetes Centres and to address the needs of young adults transitioning to Nova Scotia for university/new employment. Committee members included diabetes educators, pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists, social workers, a Diabetes Canada representative, and DCPNS staff.
 
The committee developed a number of materials (transition summary form, patient and provider checklists, patient self-assessments, and a adolescent handbook).  The most recent versions (April 2019) are availabe in the Guidelines & Resources section.
 
Transition Project Coordinator
In January 2015, the DCPNS hired its first Provincial Transition Consultant. This part-time position continues to provide services to youth  transitioning from pediatric to adult care/services and diabetes teams to ensure transition processes and materials are embedded in daily practice and kept top of mind. 
 
The Transition Project Coordinator position will help build capacity in diabetes care providers to improve transition processes and experiences for youth/young adults living with diabetes. This position will:
 
  • Work closely with specialty diabetes teams and physicians
  • Plann local events aimed at prepared, planned, and informed transition to adult care
  • Facilitate linkage to teams/specialists/community resources for specific individuals/families
  • Gather information from youth/young adults on their experiences transitioning to adult care and working to address challenges and building on successes.
The following materials help explain the Transition Consultant role and the referral process. The referral and consent forms are also available below.
 
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee meets regularly to provide support and guidance to this important transition work. Summary of activities include:
 
  • Developing the Transition Consultant Position Description, Role Responsibilities, and supporting documents
  • Developing and approving the referral process and consent materials
  • Developing an evaluation framework; provided oversight to the formal evaluation (completed in 2017)
  • Reviewing and approving Transition Event Guides
  • Reviewing and approving parent module
  • Planing future activities, encouraging partnerships, and creating opportunities for networking, sharing, and learning from others
  • Providing a forum for consultation, discussion, and group problem solving