Is there a need for transition of care for asthmatic adolescents in India? A physician-based survey and analysis

Abstract

Background and Objective: Transition in a health-care context is defined as “the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic physical and medical conditions from a child-centered to an adult-oriented health-care system.” Despite some countries and conditions having guidelines on the transition process, it can still be haphazard. A failure to optimally transfer ongoing medical care during this vulnerable period of adolescence increases the risk of lifelong worse health outcomes. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was an online survey conducted through a predesigned response recorded system (Survey Monkey). The period of the study was from January to March 2022. Results: Of 320 doctors, we received responses from 212 (66.2%). Of these, 99 were pediatricians, and 113 were adult respiratory physicians. Of 99 pediatricians, 23% were exclusively trained in pediatric pulmonology. Around 94% of adult physicians were trained in respiratory medicine. There is an appetite for change and improvement. A majority of comments focused on joint working and collaboration between adult and pediatric pulmonologists. Stakeholder engagement involving all groups equally was found to be the need of the hour to formulate a guideline that both pediatricians and adult physicians are happy with. Conclusions: This study highlights the differences and similarities between pediatricians and adult physicians in their approach to asthma and the transition process. We hope this study will serve as the foundation to collaborate and co-produce with young people, national transition guidelines, improving the transition process and augmenting the health benefits for young people both acutely and longer term.