Abstract

IntroductionTransition from adolescence to adult care is very challenging for most patients. Without appropriate appointments and education, adolescents can get lost to follow up within one-year of transitioning to adult care (Mistry et al. Diabet Med 32(7):881–885, 2015). Loss to follow-up can increase risks of adverse short and long term diabetes-related complications, with healthcare contacts mainly limited to crisis-based management (Iversen et al. Scand J Caring Sci 33(3):723–730, 2019).AimsThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient’s perspective of the process of transition from paediatric to adult-based diabetes services in the Mid-West Region of Ireland.MethodsWe implemented a new transition clinic at University Hospital Limerick with the collaboration of paediatric and adult endocrinology teams. Eighteen patients opted to attend the clinic, but only 17 patients consented to participate in a qualitative assessment study and completed questionnaires before and after the transition clinic.Results and conclusionIn terms of medical management, patients had a good understanding of hypoglycaemia and insulin dose adjustment principles, but were least comfortable with carbohydrate counting. Patients self-ranked their knowledge on driving and sexual health with a diagnosis of diabetes as poor, in comparison to understanding effects of alcohol and smoking on diabetes. Overall, a majority of the respondents felt more confident in moving to adult-care after attending the transition clinic.

Highlights

  • Transition from adolescence to adult care is very challenging for most patients

  • Ten (56%) responders felt more confident after the clinic visit that they would be comfortable transitioning to adult diabetes care, whereas seven (44%) responders felt the same as they did prior to the appointment

  • This study demonstrated that transition clinics provide a ‘safe space’ for adolescents to meet with their adult team and ask any concerning questions

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Summary

Methods

We implemented a new transition clinic at University Hospital Limerick with the collaboration of paediatric and adult endocrinology teams. Eighteen patients opted to attend the clinic, but only 17 patients consented to participate in a qualitative assessment study and completed questionnaires before and after the transition clinic

Results and conclusion
Introduction
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