Implications for practice and research

• Challenges associated with the transition from paediatric to adult care are experienced by young people, parents and healthcare professionals.

• Poorly managed transition has long-term consequences for the health of young people.

• Additional research in successful transition programmes to identify factors contributing to success would be beneficial.

Context

Transition of young people from child to adult healthcare services has been the subject of much research. Despite the available evidence, young people continue to experience difficulties when transferring to adult care. Much of the previous research has focused on children and young people with specific conditions and has used small sample sizes, which limit the ability to generalise results. Two previous systematic reviews on transition have been undertaken1 ,2; however, there is still no consensus about the most appropriate age or method for transition, or how transition is best implemented.1–3

Findings

Fegran and colleagues identified the following overarching theme that emerged from the data analysis, ‘being in limbo moving from familiar to unknown ward cultures and achieving responsibility’. The four associated subthemes were: ‘facing changes in significant relationships’, ‘moving from familiar to an unknown’, ‘being prepared for transfer’ and ‘achieving responsibility’. Age of transfer from paediatric to adult care in the studies reviewed ranged from 14 to 22 years.

Commentary

Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies means that individual study findings are strengthened and findings can be transferred across conditions and settings. While the meta-summaries and meta-synthesis has not extended what is already known about transition from paediatric to adult care, Fegran and colleagues findings strengthen and draw together current research.

Previously the recommended age for initiating the transition process was 14 years.5 This review recommends that the onset of preparation begins at 16 years and that the best age for transition is 18–19 years or older. This may be a better timeframe than previously suggested, as it is recognised that young adults with long-term conditions may not be as developed socially as their healthy peers.6

Despite research, young people continue to have difficulties during the transition from paediatric to adult care. Barriers to successful transition that have been identified include lack of recognition of the importance of the transition process, poor collaboration between young people, their families and health professionals and lack of education about the needs of young people for adult health professionals.6 Practice needs to change to ensure young people are at the centre of care and the transition process. Training and preparation of all healthcare professionals involved in the transitional care of young people, as well as a structured transition programme, is the key to successful transition.