Still Lost in Transition?

Abstract

Numerous policy directives highlight the need for planned and well-coordinated support to enable young people with long-term conditions and disabilities to negotiate the transition to adulthood, including making the leap from children-oriented to adult- centered health services. The journey is complex and multi-dimensional. For young people with a disability, long-term condition, or mental health problem there are additional challenges when transitioning between services with differences in expectations, delivery, and culture. This article explores findings from 6 case studies of young people who have recently experienced transition to adult health and care services, triangulating inter-related perspectives: those of young people, parents, and carers, and where possible the professionals involved. One of the case studies illustrates how the challenges are actually experienced. Analysis of emerging themes across the case studies leads to key messages from families to inform strategic development of services and practice.

‘In the Next Moment I Answer, it is Not Possible.’ Professionals’ Experiences from Transition Planning for Young People

“…The findings reveal established practices that resemble a successful transition (Lindsay et al 2019;Medforth and Huntingdon 2018;White & McManus 2018); however, they report on several challenges in supporting the adolescents in pursuing their true aspirations. The dilemmas professionals face in their daily work have implications for the identity the YPDs are given and the opportunities they face in the transition to adulthood.…”

“…Factors promoting a successful transition has been found to be professional expertise in transition practices and interdisciplinary teams that support individual YPD and their unique preferences and aspirations. Moreover, professionals need to plan and co-ordinate the transition process, share their expertise, and collaborate with each other (Medforth & Huntingdon 2018). Facilitators that help young people with disabilities develop their capacity include self-advocacy, pursuing post-secondary education, family support, and social networks (Hanes et al 2019).…”

“…Facilitators that help young people with disabilities develop their capacity include self-advocacy, pursuing post-secondary education, family support, and social networks (Hanes et al 2019). Transition planning needs to start early, with one key worker managing the transition; the YPD needs to feel acknowledged and secure, their parents must be kept informed; and open interdisciplinary communication is necessary, as is a documented transition plan (Medforth & Huntingdon 2018). There is a gap in the literature about the dilemmas that the professionals may be faced with in supporting YPD's preferences and aspirations.…”

Environments and health in youth with chronic diseases: creating novel insights from bigdata and artificial intelligence

“…The prevalence of comorbidity increases with age; still, in the Netherlands (and Europe), 25% of young people are affected by one or more chronic conditions [7][8][9] . These youngsters are less likely to reach their full intellectual potential, have uncertain future perspectives, and frequently experience social exclusion 2,4,10,11 .…”