Young Adults With Rheumatic Diseases (YARD) Clinic

The YARD clinic, located at the Richmond Road diagnostic and Treatment Centre, is part of the Southern Alberta Young Adult Rheumatic Disease Network, which provides high quality, evidence-based multidisciplinary care for adolescents and young adults aged 18-24 years with autoimmune and auto-inflammatory diseases. Recognizing that younger patients face challenges as they transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care, the purpose of the clinic is to provide education, consultation and treatment to help make this transition easier. Appointments are available by referral only. 

The YARD clinic is a collaboration between healthcare providers including pediatric and adult rheumatologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, registered nurses (RNs) and social workers. This clinic is active in clinical trials, and opportunities for participation may be available. Interpreter/translation services are available upon request, please inquire before your scheduled appointment.

Referral and preparation process:

Most adolescents with chronic rheumatic diseases will require a transition to an adult care provider. Patients diagnosed with a rheumatic condition during late adolescence and young adulthood may also be seen by YARD network providers. 

Referral to an adult rheumatologist is typically made around the patient's 17th birthday (with the goal of a first meeting before their 18th birthday). Prior to transition, readiness is evaluated using a standard consultation and questionnaire. Transition planning is coordinated with the patient's post-secondary education plans in mind. To complete the transition, an initial introductory and handover consultation between the patient, the pediatric rheumatologist and adult rheumatologist is conducted via video conferencing. Following this meeting a full initial consultation visit between the patient and adult rheumatologist will be scheduled.

Physicians can access the YARD referral form here.