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"I guess it's just the fear of the unknown" : an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of IBD patients transitioning from paediatric to adult care

Background: Transition is increasingly recognised as an important aspect of healthcare provision. However, fairly little is known about the experiences and needs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients as they pass through this process. This study aimed to explore the transition experiences and needs of adolescents with IBD, and their views on transitional care provision. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adolescents with IBD who were in the process of transitioning or had completed transition from paediatric to adult care. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Two main themes were identified: (1) Moving from the Known to the Unknown with subthemes of uncertainty and mixed emotions, the importance of information and support, losing familiar relationships, overlap in care provision and timing of transition (2) A Less Coddled Approach with subthemes of transfer in responsibility and differences between paediatric and adult care. Conclusions: Adolescents experience a range of challenges and emotions in response to the multifaceted relational and systemic changes associated with healthcare transition. They like to be well informed about transition plans and adult care providers, value a gradual and structured transition process and benefit from opportunities to develop self-management skills. Joint appointments provide reassurance and build a bridge between paediatric and adult care.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:754395
Date January 2018
CreatorsKolte, Isabelle
PublisherUniversity of Glasgow
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Sourcehttp://theses.gla.ac.uk/30785/

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