Three Decades of Health Care Transition in Rheumatology: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rheumatology
• Adolescent Health
• Healthcare Transition

Background:

• Pediatric rheumatology advances have increased survival, leading to more young adults needing lifelong care.
• Effective strategies are crucial for adolescents and young adults (AYA) to manage rheumatic diseases independently.
• Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare models presents unique challenges for AYA with rheumatic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of healthcare transition in rheumatology.
• To review outcomes and needs of AYA with pediatric-onset rheumatic diseases during transition.
• To describe interventions aimed at improving healthcare transition for this population.

Main Methods:

• Narrative literature review.
• Analysis of seminal literature on healthcare transition outcomes and needs.
• Synthesis of interventions for AYA with pediatric rheumatic diseases.

Main Results:

• The review highlights the growing need for systematic approaches to healthcare transition.
• Identified transition-related needs and outcomes for AYA with pediatric rheumatic diseases.
• Described various interventions designed to support AYA during health care transition.

Conclusions:

• Effective healthcare transition is critical for AYA with pediatric rheumatic diseases to achieve long-term health management.
• Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and optimize transition processes.
• Developing and implementing targeted interventions can improve outcomes for AYA navigating adult healthcare systems.