Transition service development is high on the agenda in contemporary healthcare improvement and there is a wealth of literature focusing on the shortcomings of many existing transition services. This literature review aims at identify and summarise research on the issues and needs surrounding transitional care from children’s to adult services, and to explore, critique and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, processes and systems relating to supporting transitions for young people between children’s and adult services.

Many studies focus on the transition of young people from children’s to adult services. Some areas of transitional care have been researched thoroughly, including the self-reported experiences of young people. A large number of studies have explored specific interventions aimed at young people and healthcare systems. A single approach or intervention to support transition appears to be neither beneficial for all young people, nor appropriate for all services. The effect of specific interventions is largely inconclusive.