Challenges and obstacles in the transition process through the eyes of the gastroenterologist

BACKGROUND: Adult and pediatric care have different views and ways of handling the patients and the parents, which may result in insufficient coordination and communication of transfer. The young patient, the parents, the pediatric, and the adult provider constitute four central actors in transition and transfer, and they have different roles, approaches, and needs. Our aim was to clarify the challenges and background for each actor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Statements from semistructured interviews of adult gastroenterologists and nurses were analyzed and interpreted by social scientific principles. The interviews were conducted individually, and each interview was completed within 30 min. The interviews were taped, transcribed, and sent to the interviewees for approval.

RESULTS: The analysis of the statements included a description of the motives, perspectives, and approaches of the interviewees as well as an exploration and interpretation of the underlying meaning, patterns, and models. The main points of the article are illustrated through excerpts from the interviews and concluded in the recommendations.

CONCLUSION: (I) Pediatricians and adult gastroenterologist need to rethink their view on patients aged 15-20 years and understand that they are different from other patients and do have different demands. (II) Transfer should be considered a three-part process: (a) transition at the pediatric department, (b) a coordinated transfer, and (c) a consolidation phase after transfer. (III) Adolescent patients need proper education and empowerment during transition. (IV) Parents need to be timely prepared including an adjustment and redefinition of their roles.