Identifying patient priority targets for improving a transitional care young adult rheumatology service: a group...

The study aimed to identify key priorities for improving a transitional adolescent and young adult rheumatology service through a comprehensive mixed methods service evaluation.

We used a group concept mapping methodology. Patients (ages 16-25 years) attending an adolescent and young adult (AYA) rheumatology clinic completed idea generation, sorting and rating activities related to their experiences in the AYA service. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to the sorted ideas to generate a concept map containing themed clusters of ideas. Rating data were analysed to identify themed clusters containing specific ideas to determine whether these were being successfully met and to identify specific targets for future service improvements.

A total of 48 patients participated in idea generation, 10 in sorting and 37 in rating activities. The concept map revealed six key themed clusters: Rheumatology Service Contact and Personal Information, Employment and Education Support and Advice, Mental Health and Well-being Support, Education and Advice About My Condition, General Clinic Improvements and Young Adult Specific Clinic Improvements. Specific improvement targets were identified within each of these themed clusters.

This group concept mapping evaluation identified that the AYA rheumatology service was successfully meeting the needs of patients in many ways and helped to identify specific targets for future improvements. The resulting concept map provides a platform for use in partnership with patients to facilitate the co-design of future clinic improvements.