Transition Health Maintenance IBD Program (THM-IBD) for Teens

What is the THM-IBD Program?

The Transition Health Maintenance IBD Program (THM-IBD) at the University of Chicago Medicine is designed for adolescents ages 16 and older with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. This virtual clinic, led by our IBD nurse practitioner, supports their transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, providing wellness visits and educational support tailored to their medical and psychosocial needs. The program helps young people confidently manage their condition and maintain their overall health as they prepare to navigate adult healthcare systems.

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Age-Appropriate Education and Support for Teens with IBD

Each visit is an opportunity for a personalized discussion focused on their experiences, expectations and questions. These visits are offered in addition to your child’s routine care with their gastroenterologist.

The program aims to:

• Ensure a smooth transition for patients with IBD from pediatric to adult care.
• Empower patients with essential knowledge about their condition, including understanding their diagnosis, medications, and long-term management strategies.
• Provide access to a multidisciplinary team, including dietitians and mental health professionals, ensuring holistic care.
• Address health maintenance concerns and help patients better manage their condition for improved long-term outcomes.

We want our patients to have the knowledge and confidence to manage their disease themselves, participate in decision-making with their health care provider, and advocate for their needs.

To support their transition to adult care, we also cover:

• A transition-readiness assessment
• Discussion about navigating the healthcare and insurance systems
• Shared goal-setting (Teens will pick one or two transition areas of improvement to work on.)

Why Participate in the THM-IBD Program

Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare can feel overwhelming, but structured programs like THM-IBD make the process easier. Research has shown that young adults who participate in transition programs often experience:

• Fewer disease flares
• Higher rates of remission within two years
• Improved disease management and medication adherence
• Better overall health outcomes
• Consistent, uninterrupted care to minimize complications

Program Benefits

The THM-IBD Program combines expert resources and a compassionate approach to ensure patients feel confident and supported throughout their healthcare transition.

Patients in the THM-IBD Program will receive:

• Educational sessions to deepen their understanding of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Guidance for independent management, including tips on communicating with adult healthcare providers and managing medications.
• Comprehensive health maintenance support through a collaborative care team that may include dietitians, mental health providers, and IBD specialists.
• Individualized care plans tailored to their needs to improve both medical and emotional well-being.