A comparison of five transition programmes for youth with chronic illness in Canada

Adolescents with chronic illnesses who are transferred from the paediatric healthcare setting to adult care often get lost in the system, resulting in poorer long-term health outcomes. The Canadian Pediatric Society and the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine have position papers on the key elements recommended for transition programmes. A comparison of five transition programmes for youth with chronic illness in Canada is presented with a discussion of how they reflect these guidelines. The process used to review the content and effectiveness can provide others with a framework for learning about existing transition programmes to assist them in developing their own.