Transition Training for Adolescents with Kidney Transplantation

Background: Transition to adult care services occurs at age 18 during a vulnerable period of adolescents with early childhood end stage renal disease (ESRD) with the risk of increased morbidity and graft loss. Therefore a novel coaching concept was developed in order to smooth the psychological and medicinal problems encountered in this transition period. Methods: In 2003, a transition training entitled endlich erwachsen“ was established by the ”Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation”e.V. (KfH). This program addresses adolescents between ages of 16 and 21 with ESRD. The health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the KIDSCREEN 27 questionnaire. General skills for live, medical knowledge and the attitude towards the chronic disease are discussed during a one week seminar and intensified at 6 weekend seminars over a period of 3 years. In addition weekend seminars were offered to the parents.Results: Until January 2010, 171 adolescents (72 girls, 99 boys) with a mean age of 18.4 years (SD 2.1) were trained. HRQoL revealed a deficit in physical well-being compared to the healthy peers. During the 3 year period, 8 patients lost their graft, resulting in a graft survival rate of 90%. The participants benefitted most from the program in respect to the areas of health and medical issue. Conclusions: Transition training is important for adolescents with early childhood ESRD in order to improve general health condition and to prevent complications including graft loss rate.