SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Mind the Gap: A Policy Analysis on Standardized Inpatient Transition Protocols for Sickle Cell Disease

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This document presents a mixed-methods policy analysis of standardized inpatient transition protocols for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD affects about 100,000 people in the U.S., and transition from pediatric to adult care is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The study examined three current transition policies across institutions using both qualitative interviews and quantitative chart data.<br /><br />Qualitatively, researchers interviewed physicians, advanced practice providers, and other stakeholders from inside and outside the focus institution. They sent 139 emails and completed 13 interviews, a 9.35% response rate. Interview themes highlighted that transition is a difficult and often anxiety-provoking process, with concerns about gaps in communication, trust, and readiness for adult care.<br /><br />Quantitatively, anonymized secondary data were used to review the number of patients over age 18 with SCD who transitioned between 2021 and 2024. The analysis showed variation in transition volume across years, supporting the need for more consistent tracking and follow-up.<br /><br />Policy comparisons across three institutions showed that outpatient transition policies were more likely to be standardized than inpatient policies. Common strengths included transition coordinators, education, readiness assessments, individualized goal setting, and continuity of care. Common gaps included poor communication between pediatric and adult teams, lack of standardized inpatient policies, and inconsistent metric tracking.<br /><br />The authors recommend a comprehensive, collaboratively designed policy involving both pediatric and adult teams. Key recommendations include beginning transition education at age 13, conducting yearly readiness assessments starting at age 15, requiring inpatient team members to attend at least one outpatient transition visit per patient, improving annual cross-team communication, tracking standardized metrics, and placing individualized care plans in the electronic medical record before transition.<br /><br />Overall, the study concludes that a significant policy gap exists and that coordinated, standardized approaches could improve transition outcomes for patients with SCD.

Asset Subtitle

Heather L. Goldston

Meta Tag

Author List Erica Lewis, Heather L. Goldston

Category Research

Concept Pediatric-to-Adult Transition

Concept Sickle Cell Disease

Concept Transition Policy

Concept Mixed-Methods Research

Concept Continuity of Care

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization VCU Health System

Presenting Author Heather L. Goldston

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

sickle cell disease

inpatient transition protocols

pediatric to adult care

policy analysis

mixed-methods study

transition readiness

care coordination

standardized policies

electronic medical record

healthcare transition

Pediatric-to-Adult Transition

Sickle Cell Disease

Transition Policy

Mixed-Methods Research

Continuity of Care