Exploring six successful nurse-led transition clinics: Experiences and outcomes

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Pediatric to Adult Care Transition
• Chronic Illness Management

Background:

• Dutch Quality Standard emphasizes structured transitional care for youth.
• Knowledge gaps exist regarding successful transition programs and their components.
• Need for exploring effective elements in nurse-led transition clinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate nurse-led transition clinics in the Netherlands.
• Identify core interventions like transition coordinators and individual plans.
• Evaluate successful elements of transitional care for young adults.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining interviews and surveys.
• Semi-structured interviews with 15 healthcare professionals.
• Surveys from 54 young adults who transitioned.
• Utilized the 'On Your Own Feet Framework' for evaluation.

Main Results:

• Healthcare professionals show dedication to smooth transitions and collaboration.
• Young adults reported high satisfaction, valuing continuity and nurse coordinators.
• Identified challenges include engagement, resources, and financial complexities.
• Staff motivation and collaboration facilitate successful transitions.

Conclusions:

• Nurse-led clinics are vital for enhancing youth healthcare transitions in the Netherlands.
• High satisfaction indicates positive impact, but challenges necessitate ongoing improvement.
• Successful transition requires a collaborative approach involving patients, families, and professionals.
• Study informs integration of transitional care into standard models.