Abstract
Transfer to adult care for adolescents with chronic conditions ought to be determined by transition readiness. The aims of this study were (a) to describe the level of readiness for transition in adolescents with congenital heart disease, (b) to compare adolescents’ assessment of transition readiness with their parents’ assessments, and (c) to study potential correlates of transition readiness. A total of 157 triads of adolescents aged 14 to 18 years and their parents completed the Readiness for Transition Questionnaire. Adolescents scored higher on overall readiness than their parents. Multivariable analyses revealed that higher levels of adolescents’ overall readiness were associated with a less threatening view of the illness, a higher level of empowerment, and with higher mothers’ and fathers’ overall readiness scores. Adolescents’ responsibility scores were positively associated with age and parental adolescent responsibility scores. Parental involvement scores were negatively associated with adolescents’ age and positively with the mothers’ parental involvement scores. By using a triadic evaluation, the results of the present study significantly extend what is currently known about this population.
Highlights
Transfer to adult care for adolescents with chronic conditions ought to be determined by transition readiness
Regardless of their chronic condition, adolescents require well-planned and well-coordinated transitional care and sufficient knowledge about their condition to become responsible of their own care and health in adulthood (American Academy of Pediatrics et al, 2011; Rosen, Blum, Britto, Sawyer, & Siegel, 2003)
Amaral, Mee, and Blount (2012) developed the Readiness of Transition Questionnaire (RTQ) and conceptualized readiness for transition as the adolescent’s readiness “to assume complete responsibility for their health care and their readiness to transfer to adult medical care” (p. 87)
Summary
Transfer to adult care for adolescents with chronic conditions ought to be determined by transition readiness. Due to improvements in medical care, an increasing number of children with congenital or childhood onset conditions survive into adulthood (American Academy of Pediatrics et al, 2011) This has led to a growing population of young persons with long-term illnesses requiring lifelong medical follow-up (Perrin, Bloom, & Gortmaker, 2007). Regardless of their chronic condition, adolescents require well-planned and well-coordinated transitional care and sufficient knowledge about their condition to become responsible of their own care and health in adulthood (American Academy of Pediatrics et al, 2011; Rosen, Blum, Britto, Sawyer, & Siegel, 2003). Spending time with peers helps the adolescents to make autonomous decisions (McDonnell, Shuk, & Ford, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
