Transition readiness interventions improve some diabetes outcomes and engagement of young people following transition to adult services: an NHS England transition pilot.
Published Date: 11th October 2024
Publication Authors: Unsworth. L, Quinn. M, Kyprios. H, Rowe. L, Hubbard. R, Finnegan. L, Murphy. C, Pintus. D, McCaffrey. L, Padi. D, Bray. D, Saunders. S, Ng. SM
Abstract: Transition from paediatric to adult diabetes services is a critical period influencing health outcomes. Ensuring a smooth transition process has been a significant challenge, often associated with a high rates of disengagement and DKA admissions, and clinic non-attendance once the young person is transferred to adult services.
Objective(s): This study aims to evaluate impact of transition readiness interventions on the following outcomes after transitioning to adult services- HbA1c, clinic attendance rates and hospital admission at 6 to 12 months following transfer.
Method(s): As part of an NHS England Transition pilot site, we implemented the following transition readiness initiatives from the age of 17-18 years such as peer-to-peer transition education evenings, face-to-face psychologically- informed co-produced plans for self-care and optimised patient-professional concordance, transition readiness checklist prior to the transition to adult services Results: We included 14 patients (6 males) transitioning to adult diabetes services in the year 2023. Outcomes were reviewed in the 6 to 12 months prior to transition compared to 6 to 12 months after transition to adult services. Mean HbA1c was 65 vs 67 mmol/L, did not attend clinic rate was 28% vs 28%, DKA admissions were 21% vs 7% and those going on hybrid closed loop were 30% vs 57%.
Conclusion(s): The pilot program shows that transition readiness interventions did not improve or worsen HbA1c or clinic attendance among transitioning youths. DKA admission were improved and more young people were ready to accept the offer of hybrid closed loops after transition. Further research should address quality of life measures and how well transition readiness predicts positive health outcomes after the transfer of care.
Unsworth L.; Quinn M.; Kyprios H.; Rowe L.; Hubbard R.; Finnegan L.; Murphy C.; Pintus D.; McCaffrey L.; Padi D.; Bray D.; Saunders S.; Ng S.M. (2024). Transition readiness interventions improve some diabetes outcomes and engagement of young people following transition to adult services: an NHS England transition pilot. Hormone Research in Paediatrics. 97(Suppl. 2). [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000541195 [Accessed 20 February 2025].