Transfer from pediatric to adult care – Implementation of a person-centered transition program for adolescents with special healthcare needs: The STEPSTONES-Implement project

Research problem and specific questionsAs adolescents with special healthcare needs must transition from pediatric to adult care, transition programs are needed and advocated.

Studies evaluating the efficacy of these programs have been performed but no study has evaluated the effectiveness of a transition program in a real-life scenario.

Thus, the purpose of this project is to implement an effective and sustainable person-centered transition program for adolescents with special healthcare needs in Swedish healthcare.Data and MethodThree studies will be performed; (i) an implementation study using predefined implementation strategies at university hospitals in Sweden providing specialized care for adolescents with special healthcare needs and evaluating the effects in patient-reported outcomes (empowerment, transition readiness, disease-related knowledge and care experience) compared to a historical cohort from a previous randomized controlled trial; (ii) a process evaluation of the implementation of the program and strategies used to facilitate implementation at the participating sites.; and (iii) a needs assessment exploring the prerequisites for and adaptation of the transition program for adolescents with developmental and neuropsychiatric disabilities.Societal relevance and utilisationThe transition of care for adolescents with special healthcare needs must be more person-centered and tailored to the individual young persons and families needs.

The project will provide evidence on the effectiveness of a person-centered transition program and which strategies are most successful in achieving effective and sustainable implementation of person-centered care interventions for adolescents in transition to adulthood.

Furthermore, how transition programs can be adapted to the special needs of adolescents with disabilities is pivotal in providing equity in healthcare for diverse populations.Plan for project realisationThe transition program will be implemented and studied at specialized children´s wards at six university hospitals in Sweden during 2024.Study 1 and 2 will be carried out during 2024-2027 and study 3 during 2024-2025.