Bridging the Gap: Patient Experiences Following Transfer of Care from a Pediatric Obesity Management Program to an Adult Bariatric Surgery Program

Abstract

Introduction:

Obesity rates are increasing to epidemic proportions across the lifespan. However, young adults (18 to 24 years old) experience unique difficulties in psychosocial functioning compared to other age groups. These difficulties result in significant physical and mental health complications during the transition process from pediatric to adult care hospitals.

Objectives:

(1) To identify themes regarding the experiences of obese young adults (18–24) transferring their care from a pediatric obesity management program to an adult bariatric surgery program; (2) to identify the transition difficulties of these young adults upon transfer; and (3) to understand how developmental needs within this population impact experiences of the transition process.

Method:

In-depth, semistructured individual interviews were conducted on seven young adult bariatric patients who had transitioned their obesity management care from the pediatric to adult healthcare system. Analysis of interviews used a constant comparative analysis consistent with a grounded theory approach.

Results:

Our data analysis generated the following themes: (1) loss and adaptation; (2) transition processes from pediatric to adult healthcare; and (3) in-between adolescence and adulthood.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that young adults experience both positive and negative aspects regarding the transition process. These experiences may be understood in the context of the literature on emerging adulthood in terms of patients' developmental stage and how this impacts their perception and needs within the adult healthcare system compared to the pediatric model of care.