About the Transition Readiness and Awareness for Cardiac Kids (TRACK) Program
“Transition” is the process of moving from pediatric to adult congenital heart disease (CHD) care. The Transition Readiness and Awareness for Cardiac Kids (TRACK) Program provides young adults with CHD the proper resources to address their unique medical, educational and psychosocial needs to ensure a successful transition to adult care. We promote our patients’ understanding of their CHD, as well as the importance of follow-up visits, adherence to medical care and healthy lifestyle choices.
Information for patients
Transition is about much more than getting a new doctor. It’s a process where you learn more about your heart disease and how to take control of your own healthcare. Transition is part of becoming an adult. As you grow older, you become more independent and will rely less on your caregivers. You will learn to take care of yourself in many ways, such as driving a car, paying bills and, eventually, buying a home. In this same way, you can — and will — become independent in your healthcare!
Information for caregivers
The transition from pediatric to adult CHD care can be a period of stress and uncertainty. The TRACK team is committed to improving this process for patients and families. While we recommend patients and families start to learn about and prepare for this transition by the time a patient is 16 years old, this is dependent on individual needs. You and your primary cardiologist will work together to make the final decision as to when it is appropriate for your child to transition to adult CHD care. Until then, our team will help educate and prepare you and your child for this process. Together we will help your child set and reach goals, such as:
- Understanding their heart disease and medical history
- Understanding how their heart disease does or does not limit them
- Learning about medications and possible side effects
- Preparing for their first visit with an adult provider
- Starting to think about long-term concerns related to health and medical care, including employment, insurance and family planning