%0 Journal Article
%T Retention and transition to adult health care in adolescent bariatric surgery.
%A Hart LC
%A Eneli I
%J Surg Obes Relat Dis
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 4
%M 39117559
%F 3.709
%R 10.1016/j.soard.2024.06.005
%X The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend bariatric surgery as a treatment option for severe obesity. Bariatric surgery results in weight loss and improves obesity-related comorbidities. After surgery, adolescents and young adults require close observation and interdisciplinary care to help optimize weight loss, minimize nutrient deficiencies, address mental or physical health complications, and ensure a smooth transition to adult care. Yet, the extant literature on adherence and transition of care in bariatric programs is limited. Using 3 case studies from 2 bariatric programs, one on retention and 2 on transition of care, this paper highlights learning opportunities for care delivery after bariatric surgery. A quality improvement framework and an embedded electronic medical health registry can improve retention rates within a bariatric program. In addition, implementing a workflow ensures standardization of care; however, a key challenge is inadequate staffing. The programs established a transition of care policy and protocol by incorporating several of the Six Core Elements, a recognized guide for ensuring a safe and appropriate transfer from pediatric to adult care. Several research gaps remain, and further work is needed to determine and standardize best practices for adolescent bariatric surgery.