The transition from childhood to adulthood in diabetes care: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors' conclusion
This systematic review of qualitative studies highlights the need to address the unique challenges of adolescents and young adults when transferred from paediatric to adult diabetes care and improve quality transition programmes. A smooth transition process demands a personalised approach from HCPs and system-level coordination across care teams is essential for supporting successful engagement within adult diabetes care.
Study context
- Population
- Qualitative studies of the transition process and transfer from paediatric to adult diabetes care; data from patients, parents/caregivers and healthcare professionalspublications included
- Participants
- 15 participants
- Outcome
- Origin of included publications
Methodological detailssystematic review, thematic synthesis, PRISMA criteria, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessment, articles published in English between 2018 and 2023
- Systematic review
- Thematic synthesis
- PRISMA criteria
- Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessment
- Articles published in English between 2018 and 2023
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- Two-thirds were from North America
Further pooled results
Key themes
- (1) Expectation of greater autonomy/independence for the person with diabetes (PWD)
- (2) Loss of paediatric provider and insecurity about new healthcare provider (HCP)
- (3) Lack of formal preparation for the transition from paediatrics to adult care
Perceived strengths and weaknesses of transition programmes
- Underscore the need for a proactive approach, supporting a smooth transfer and facilitating the young person's independence and self-management capacity
Original publication
The transition from childhood to adulthood in diabetes care: A qualitative evidence synthesis. Diabet Med. Published 10 November 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →