Transition to adult care for young people with long-term conditions.

This study aimed to clarify how the transition from child to adult healthcare is managed in young people with two long-term conditions in the Republic of Ireland.A postal survey using an adapted questionnaire (Flume et al, 2001) with closed and open questions was sent to all physicians and nurse specialists (n=132) caring for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)in the Republic of Ireland. Data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 for Windows and the open-ended qualitative questions were analysed using content analysis. Results showed that transition management varied depending on the service, location and resources available. Comparisons were made between CF and IDDM data. Age was found to be the criterion most commonly used to determine when to transition in all services. Healthcare professionals said transition management needed to be improved. Some services managed transition following recommended guidelines.However, the management of transition nationally needs to be more streamlined.This includes a devised cohesive strategy between adult and young people's services.