Transfer from the pediatric milieu
Why leave the pediatric milieu?
Individuals born with a congenital heart defect
require medical follow-up in a specialized centre. Physicians and
caregivers in pediatric hospitals are specialized in delivering
care to children and adolescents until the age of 18. Medical
care needs change progressively as patients reach adult age and
care teams must adapt to these new realities.
How does medical care change?
Follow-up in an adult milieu differs slightly from
follow-up in a pediatric milieu. The principal difference stems
mainly from the fact that young adults with a congenital heart
defect gradually become responsible for their own care. They are
encouraged to schedule their own appointments. The medical team
addresses them first, rather than their parents, and takes
advantage of the opportunity to answer questions regarding their
concerns, such as career choices, the risks involved in pregnancy,
contraception, insurance, and so forth.
How is the record transferred?
The pediatric cardiologist forwards a medical
record summary to the Adult Congenital Heart Centre at the Montreal
Heart Institute, together with a copy of the various test results.
A member of the team at the Centre then contacts the patient by
telephone to confirm the reception of the documents and to schedule
the first appointment. If the patient's condition allows it, the
first appointment is usually held 6 to 12 months after the
reception of transferred record. Basic tests (electrocardiogram,
chest X-ray, echocardiography, etc.) are carried out prior to the
first visit, in the days preceding the appointment with the
physician.
Patients who do not receive phone calls or
who change telephone numbers are asked to contact the ACHC. It is
important to contact us earlier if your cardiac condition
changes, if new symptoms appear or if you become pregnant.
