Ideally, the transition from pediatric to adult care occurs when the patient is healthy and the disease is in remission.
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, focuses exclusively on the treatment of adult patients with IBD and patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
The conversion into adult care represents a critical process for children suffering from IBD. The IBD Center works with young patients, their families and pediatric GI specialists to create a smooth change into the adult care setting.
The center also works to help young adults become savvy decision makers when it comes to managing IBD in adulthood with the goal of long-term remission and normal quality of life.
Young patients ready to transition to adult care typically:
- Exhibit maturity and responsibility in decision-making
- Are more self-reliant and less dependent on parents when it comes to health decisions and taking medications
- Are confident when speaking to medical professionals
- Know or ask questions about their IBD history, so they can share it with future providers