Cystic Fibrosis Center
Adult Transition
As people with cystic fibrosis age, they often develop more adult-specific health issues. So it's important that they be seen by a physician trained in adult care.
At Childrens' Cystic Fibrosis Center, our Adult Transition program allows adolescents with CF to successfully transition to adult care providers.
Currently, more than 85 percent of our adult patients are seen by adult providers. We have established the following guidelines to help us achieve our goal of 90 percent by April 2007:
Outpatient Care
Age 13-15 years:
Patients are seen by pediatric care providers without their parents in the room. After the evaluation parents may return to the room to meet with the doctors and nurses.
Age 16-17 years:
Adult care providers (physician and/or nurse coordinator) introduce themselves to the patient and family.
Age 18 and older:
Patients are seen in the Cystic Fibrosis clinic by adult care providers. If possible, this occurs at the first visit after the patient's 18th birthday.
Inpatient Care
Age less than 18 years:
Patients are hospitalized at Boston Children's Hospital.
Age 18 and older:
Patients may be hospitalized at Brigham & Women's Hospital or Faulkner Hospital (BWH/FH). Each patient is evaluated by their CF team to determine the suitability of the referral. Once they have been admitted to BWH/FH, subsequent admissions usually take place at BWH/FH.
