Evidence suggests that nurses require improved guidance on how to help transfer young patients with this condition to adult healthcare services

Aim To develop relevant and feasible guidelines for transition care, based on the perspectives of stakeholders.

Methods A sequential exploratory mixed method design: the first, qualitative phase used focus group interviews with healthcare professionals. The second, quantitative phase used a questionnaire, based on the results of the interviews, to survey a larger sample of adolescent clients and healthcare professionals.

Findings The group interviews recommended a systematic approach to transition care, in an environment appropriate to each individual’s stage of development, and training of healthcare professionals in issues related to adolescence and the transition process. Survey participants agreed on the relevance and feasibility of 36 of the guidelines extracted from the interviews.

Conclusion The proposed guidelines reflect the elements of care essential to a secure transition from child to adult health services. They go some way to meeting the diverse needs of young people living with a chronic life-limiting illness.