[Transitional care for adolescents and young adults].

Abstract

Research has highlighted the complexities in transitional care for adolescents and young adults, including decreased healthcare contacts and dispensed medication after transfer to adult healthcare. A survey of healthcare professionals revealed that more than half do not adhere to key messages in existing national guidelines and focus more on the transfer process rather than on the transition to independent adulthood. To address the complexities in the transitional care for adolescents and young adults with asthma, there is a need for a comprehensive transition program applicable in both primary and specialist care settings, utilizing a multi-professional approach to gradually strengthen the young person's self-care skills and prepare them for adult healthcare. To bridge the gap in transitional care and improve long-term outcomes for adolescents and young adults with asthma, a pilot study is ongoing in the Stockholm region, with hopes for national implementation.