B.1 What Transition Skills Should be Targeted in Epilepsy Transition Clinics?

Abstract

Background: Transition from pediatric to adult care can be a difficult time for adolescents with epilepsy. This period is often a period of extreme vulnerability and stress. As a result, research has recommended transition clinics to help these adolescents develop needed transition skills. However, the skills that need to be focused on remain unclear. Methods: Baseline transition skills in 113 adolescents with epilepsy, aged 14 to 18 (M= 16.46, male= 56) were analyzed. Results: Analyses showed that older adolescents showed significantly more transition skills than younger adolescents (F(4,108)=5.522, p=000). Although positive, older adolescents only scored, on average, 16.3/28 on the transition questionnaire; suggesting that many skills are still lacking, even at the time of transition. Specifically, although the majority of these older adolescents demonstrated being able to manage their condition independently (e.g., summarizing medical history, taking/knowing medications), these adolescents were less likely to demonstrate skills needed to be advocates for themselves and their health (e.g., asking questions, discussing concerns, speaking to the doctor instead of letting their parents). Conclusions: Results suggest it may be beneficial to restructure adolescent clinic visits; encouraging these patients to attend the initial portion of visits independently to help them feel more comfortable and confident championing for themselves.