Experiences of adolescents with type 1 diabetes transitioning from paediatric to adult diabetes care: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate qualitative studies on the transition from paediatric to adult care during adolescence among patients with type 1 diabetes.

DESIGN

Qualitative meta synthesis.

METHODS

The search terms included four main categories: diabetes, transition, experience and qualitative studies. A total of 1214 studies were identified through the database search, and a total of 9 studies met all of the inclusion criteria for this review. Some studies included participants who were young or emerging adults at the time of interview; however, their accounts reflected retrospective experiences of transitioning from paediatric to adult care during adolescence.

DATA SOURCES

The following nine electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science (Core Collection), The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and CNKI, WanFang and Vip. The search period included material published up to July 2024.

RESULTS

A total of nine studies revealed nine subthemes and three descriptive themes: difficulties and challenges, needs in transition, growing through adversity.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents living with type 1 diabetes navigate complex experiences during the transition to adult healthcare. Healthcare professionals should be attentive to their feelings, encourage them to actively engage with challenges and provide adequate information and combined parental and peer support to facilitate a smooth transition.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42024560173.