The use of joint consultations in the transition from child to adult outpatient clinic within type 1 diabetes care: A qualitative study

Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of young adults and their parents regarding joint consultations during their transition from the Children to the Adult Outpatient Clinic, based on a transition project at Odense University Hospital. 

Methods: Individual interviews were conducted with ten young adults (aged 17–18 years) and six parents, using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Transcripts were analysed using a pragmatic approach for text condensation. 

Results: The analysis revealed three main themes: ‘A feeling of security’, highlighting the importance of the familiar nurse in the transition, communication about the adult clinic, and building personal relationships with the new healthcare professionals; ‘A fear for the Adult Outpatient Clinic’, describing how the unknown could create anxiety and concerns about whether the adult outpatient clinic has sufficient medical and educational resources; and ‘Parental participation and responsibility’, highlighting the need for balancing independence and the importance of parental involvement. 

Conclusion: Joint consultations appear to have a positive impact on young adults and their parents during the transition. However, more scientific evidence is needed in this area.