Evaluation of a young adult renal and transplant transition clinic in a regional setting: Supporting young adults and parents' transition to self-management

Objective This study evaluated the impact of establishing a transition clinic in a regional Australian setting on the lives of young adults living with severe chronic kidney disease and their families. Design A qualitative design using the experience-based co-design framework. Setting Interviews were held at the Royal Hobart Hospital or the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. The co-design workshop was held at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Participants Young people aged 17-29 years living with a kidney transplant or stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease, parents/carers and health professionals. Interventions Establishment of a young adult renal and transplant clinic. Main outcome measure Impact of a transition clinic in a regional setting on the lives of young adults living with chronic kidney disease and their families and suggestions for improvement. Results Four key themes were identified as follows: The Model of Care; Peer support; Transition towards self-management: Building life skills; Suggestions for improvement and limitations of the service model. The non-institutional, informal clinic setting and social/educational activities facilitated engagement, self-management and peer support for young people and parents. Suggestions for improvement included involvement of older peers, additional life skills sessions and a youth worker. Conclusion This regional transition clinic is valued by the young people and their parents for generating peer support, building self-management and life skills. Sustainability of the clinic depends upon having the appropriate expertise available, access to a suitable venue and offering a program that meets the needs of young people.