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.