Not a Child, Not Yet an Adult: Transition Experiences in Pediatric Transplant Recipients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Solid-Organ Transplantation
• Adolescent Health
• Health Care Transition

Background:

• Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare is crucial for adolescents post-solid-organ transplant.
• This period is vulnerable due to care structure changes, autonomy shifts, and psychosocial factors.
• Limited qualitative data exists on this transition within the Turkish healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and expectations of adolescents and young adults post-pediatric kidney or liver transplant in Türkiye.
• To focus specifically on their transition to adult healthcare services.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive phenomenological research design was utilized.
• Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 11 participants (aged 16+) who received transplants in childhood.
• Thematic analysis was applied to identify core transition themes.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: anticipation/anxiety of change, need for information/guidance, emotional ambivalence (independence vs. insecurity), and healthcare system barriers (fragmentation, lack of continuity).
• Participants desired personalized, supported, and phased transition models.

Conclusions:

• The transition to adult care for pediatric solid-organ transplant recipients involves significant emotional, informational, and systemic challenges.
• Türkiye requires structured, culturally sensitive transition programs to enhance care continuity and patient outcomes.