Patients' perspective on factors that facilitate transition from child-centered to adult-centered health care: a theory integrated metasummary of quantitative and qualitative studies

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review was twofold. First, to summarize systematically the state of the research conducted on the perspective of patients on transition from child-centered care to adult-centered care (ACC). Second, based on this review of patients' perspective, to identify factors that facilitate transition to ACC.

Methods: Using a metasummary methodology, we extracted, grouped, and abstracted the findings from 46 qualitative and descriptive quantitative studies involving patients before and/or after their transfer to ACC.

Results: Empirical results on transition fall into four groups: (1) patients' feelings and concerns; (2) patients' recommendations about transition; (3) outcomes after transfer; and (4) mode of transfer.

Conclusions: Results are discussed within a theoretical transition framework that emphasizes the importance of fulfilling five conditions that will lead to successful transition. Given our findings, this synthesis and framework can be used to tailor transition care and direct future research.