“On the one hand, I do appreciate having my mother there. On the other hand, I can’t say everything because I don’t want my mother to know everything.”
Are you turning 18 soon? In most cases, this means you will be transitioning to adult care! The period around the transfer from pediatric to adult care is called the transition. The differences between pediatric and adult care can be quite significant. Often, you will have a different healthcare provider or need to go to a different location. The expectations of your role in your treatment may also be different in adult care compared to pediatric care.
In some hospitals and rehabilitation centers, special outpatient clinics or consultation hours have been set up for adolescents and young adults to make the preparation and transition to adult care as smooth as possible. For example, some hospitals hold joint consultations with the pediatrician and the adult care specialist (transition clinic). Sometimes there is also a transition coordinator (for example, a nurse), or a youth clinic has been established where only young people are treated. If this is not yet available in your hospital or for your condition, ask your doctor or nurse to help you prepare and make the actual transition.
In healthcare, the transition refers to the move from pediatric care to adult care. The transfer itself is a single moment, but the transition involves much more. You are prepared for the transfer to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. The entire transition phase includes preparation, the transfer itself, and the period of adjustment afterward. Preparation and guidance during the transition can take place at a transition clinic. This is a clinic where you are helped to manage your condition more independently. After the transition, you are expected to know which medications you take, to speak for yourself during consultations with your healthcare provider, and to make your own appointments with your providers.
Managing your condition is important for your daily life. But there isn’t a manual that tells you exactly how to do it. How do you handle your condition, and what do you know about it? Do you take your treatments seriously? How do you respond to setbacks? Everyone deals with their condition differently, which of course also depends on the severity or nature of your illness.
If you have difficulties managing your condition, you can always reach out to us. You are definitely not the only one facing these challenges. Through our Community, you can also connect with others in similar situations.
What exactly makes a good healthcare provider? Generally, there is no single answer to this question, and there isn’t a standard profile for a good provider. Of course, it is important that a doctor is competent, communicates well, and makes you feel comfortable. However, there is currently no system that can tell you whether your doctor is a “good” doctor.
It’s important to have open discussions with your doctor about your treatment. Your healthcare provider is an expert in which treatments work and which are possible for you. Since you are the only one who truly knows what your life looks like, you are the person who can determine which treatment fits best into your life. By consulting with your doctor together, you can find the treatment that works best for you.
“Op Eigen Benen” conducted research to find out what young people consider a good healthcare provider. Several key points emerged:
A good healthcare provider is someone who…
Is trustworthy.
Is kind and makes me feel at ease.
Is knowledgeable and knows what they are doing.
Is involved and interested, and listens well.
Focuses on me and consults with me.
Doesn’t treat me like a child.
Respects my opinion.
Answers my questions clearly and concisely.
Takes the time for me and is patient.
Is accessible (in-person or by phone).
Can appropriately confront me with the consequences of my behavior.
In the Netherlands, you are required to take out a basic health insurance policy once you turn 18. You can choose which insurer you want. You have the freedom to choose from all available insurers. Insurers are not allowed to reject anyone for the basic insurance; this is called the “acceptance obligation.” This means that the insurer must accept everyone, regardless of the insurance risk. Health insurers make agreements with healthcare providers, which are documented in contracts. How this affects you depends on which policy you choose.
Health insurance rules differ by country, so check with your parent(s) or guardian(s) to find out how it works in your country.
If you have additional healthcare costs, there are various organizations in the Netherlands where you can seek assistance.
Since this differs by country, contact your (local) government to find out how it works in your country.