Virtual Transition Assessments in Sickle Cell Disease Are Feasible and Available Transition Instruments May Highlight Different Components of the Transition Experience

Abstract

There is increased morbidity and mortality during the transition to adult care in sickle cell disease. Standardized implementation of validated transition tools may improve readiness for transition (RFT). We tested the impact of telehealth on this process by comparing in-person or via telehealth administration of the provider-administered tool, TRxANSITION Index (TI), to the patient-reported tool, transition intervention program-RFT (TIP-RFT) in patients 15–21 years old. Scores between testing given in person or via telehealth did not differ (p > 0.9, N = 20). TIP-RFT scores were up to 14% higher than TI. Our results indicate that telehealth transition tools are feasible and are acceptable to providers and participants. Our data also suggest that the more objective TI may be most sensitive in detecting transition needs; this awaits validation.