Transition of adolescents living with HIV from pediatric to adult care: a survey of current practices and perceptions among HIV care providers in Canada.

Growing numbers of adolescents with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are transitioning to adult care. Differences between pediatric and adult care and psychosocial concerns lead to decreased retention in care and poor health outcomes in young adults. Canadian pediatric and adult HIV healthcare providers were surveyed to assess current practices and barriers to providing optimal transitional care. The survey was distributed via regional and national HIV care organizations to 1232 individuals. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data. Forty survey respondents, including 24 adult HIV healthcare providers, were analyzed. Most practiced in Ontario (n = 16/38, 42%), worked in tertiary care centres (n = 25/37, 68%) and provided HIV care for >10 years (n = 21/40, 53%). Most (n = 25/40, 63%) felt that an individualized age range up to 25 years was appropriate for transition. Only (n = 14/40, 35%) reported satisfaction with current transition processes, and only half (n = 20/40, 50%) felt they had sufficient resources to address transition needs. Lack of clinician time, low health literacy of patients, and systemic differences between pediatric and adult care were reported as the top barriers encountered by providers. By increasing transitional care knowledge and addressing these barriers, healthcare providers can aid these patients in achieving a successful transition.