Transitional Care (S.T.A.R. Clinic)
The Sickle Cell Transition Adolescent-Adult Readiness (S.T.A.R.) Clinic at UI Health helps prepare the patient and their caregivers for managing sickle cell disease in adulthood. Adolescence and young adulthood are an exciting time, but for individuals with chronic conditions like sickle cell it also can be a vulnerable time, and a continuum of care is extremely important. The transition process is not a one-day or even one-month event; it ideally occurs over several months or years to prepare the patient and their caregivers for care in the adult setting. The S.T.A.R. Clinic focuses on psychosocial and physical well-being to help patients and their families successfully transition care.
Areas of Transition
The S.T.A.R. Clinic at UI Health prepares patients for adult life with education in five key areas of transition:
1.Medical
- General knowledge of sickle cell disease
- Heredity of sickle cell disease knowledge
- Ongoing medical issues
- Pain management
- Adherence
2.Emotional/Psychological
- Maturation level
- Self-efficacy
- Coping
- Making independent decisions
3.Social Domain
- Personal medical history knowledge
- Family functioning
- Peer relationships
- Insurance coverage
4.Academic/Education
- 504 plan
- IEP
- Academic plans
- College selection
5.Vocation & Career
- Occupations for you
- Job applications
- Interview preparation
Ready for Transition?
If you think you are ready to transition from pediatric sickle cell care to the Adult Sickle Cell Program at UI Health, you should begin with consulting your physician and caregiver. They will let you know if you are ready and provide with you the information you need.
Things you will need to know when you have this conversation with your physician:
- Your type of sickle cell disease (SS, SC, S Beta+ - -Thalassemia, etc.)
- Your blood transfusion history, especially any transfusion reactions or alloantibodies
- Your medications: why you take them, dosage, side effects, and medication allergies
- Your sickle cell history including:
Stroke, acute chest syndrome, spleen problems, major infections
Abnormal transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD), avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, iron overload, kidney problems, eye problems, etc.
Unusual pain management at home and in the hospital
- Your other medical history (asthma, gallstones, tonsils, sleep apnea, etc.)
