An Ipsen-commissioned survey has identified widespread problems with the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, prompting the drugmaker to call for more resources to help people manage the shift.
Ipsen, which sells several treatments for children and young adults, worked with The Harris Poll to survey about 1,500 people aged 14 to 26 years, plus about 1,500 parents, 200 primary care providers and 200 pediatricians. The U.S. survey showed 71% of young people find the adult healthcare system confusing, with two-thirds saying they would have benefited from more preparation for leaving pediatric care.
The concerns were supported by primary care providers and pediatricians, about 90% of whom said the U.S. fails to adequately prepare teens and young adults to navigate the adult healthcare system. A similar proportion of physicians called for more support for people transitioning to adult healthcare.
Access to care can suffer during the transition. More than 40% of young adults said they experienced a period without a primary care provider after leaving pediatric care. Health issues went untreated in 28% of young adults, and 26% of people increased their use of the emergency room. Healthcare professionals said it is particularly important for teens with chronic conditions to avoid such blips in access to care.
Ipsen has provided resources to help teens on Healthcare-Shift.com, a website it launched last year. The website includes two sets of advice, one aimed at people aged 10 to 14 years and another for individuals aged 16 to 26 years. The resources for young adults include a checklist for people turning 18, plus a guide to help individuals navigate healthcare appointments.
Multiple Ipsen products treat patients on the threshold between childhood and adulthood. The rare liver diseases targeted by Bylvay mainly affect (PDF) children and young adults. Ipsen tested (PDF) Dysport in children and adults with limb spasticity. In the pivotal Sohonos trial, the median ages in the two arms were (PDF) 15.1 years and 17.8 years.
Ipsen’s brain tumor drug Ojemda also treats children and young adults, but Day One Biopharmaceuticals markets the product in the U.S., where it is approved in children aged six months and older. Day One is studying the drug in people aged up to 25 years.
