Pediatr Surg Int. 2026 Jan 5;42(1):62. doi: 10.1007/s00383-025-06281-7.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Advances in pediatric healthcare have improved survival rates of congenital urogenital conditions, emphasizing the need for effective transition programs from pediatric to adult care. However, transition challenges often lead to suboptimal outcomes. This study evaluated a structured urologic transitional care program’s impact on transition readiness and healthcare resource utilization in a single-payer healthcare system.
METHODS: A retrospective comparative study included 106 patients aged 12-21 with congenital urogenital conditions. The intervention group (n = 53) participated in a urologic transitional care program, while the control group (n = 53) received standard care. Transition readiness was assessed using the Good2Go questionnaire, evaluating self-advocacy, knowledge, self-care, and social support. Healthcare resource utilization was measured through emergency room (ER) visits, admissions, and complications.
RESULTS: At baseline, transition readiness scores showed no significant differences between groups, although higher ER-to-admission ratios were observed in the intervention group. Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge readiness (mean difference: +12.78, p = 0.005) and reductions in ER visits (mean difference: – 0.64, p = 0.022) and admissions (mean difference: – 0.28, p = 0.007) compared to controls. Difference-in-differences analysis confirmed significant improvements in knowledge readiness in the intervention group, although reductions in all ER metrics were inconclusive.
CONCLUSIONS: The urologic transitional care program effectively enhanced knowledge readiness and possibly reduced ER visits among adolescents with congenital urogenital conditions. These findings underscore the importance of structured interventions to support successful transitions. Additional strategies are needed to address other readiness domains, healthcare resource utilization and the sustainability of long-term benefits.
CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: This study was not registered in a clinical trials registry as it is a retrospective observational study. IRB study approval granted by UAB # 300012178; SickKids REB # 1000079219.
PMID:41489647 | DOI:10.1007/s00383-025-06281-7
