Transition programmes for children moving from paediatric to adult eye care services: A scoping review

Abstract

Purpose

For young people, transition programmes between paediatric and adult services ensure continuity of care for young people while improving their confidence and autonomy in managing their health. Despite targeted support improving outcomes in other chronic conditions, the development of transition programmes in children's eye care remains limited. This scoping review aims to review published literature about transition programmes supporting young people in ophthalmic services.

Methods

Following guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute, we carried out a scoping review, searching Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Cochrane Library databases to identify articles on transition programmes for young people from paediatric to adult eye care services. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts before reviewing the full text. We extracted data into a pre-specified extraction tool.

Results

Of 339 identified publications, five met the inclusion criteria. No publications specifically addressed transition programmes in ophthalmology. The included studies reported ophthalmic care within the context of systemic conditions. Two studies reported a transition programme for young people with type 1 diabetes, two rheumatological conditions, and one explored young people's views on the transition process in an eye/vision context.

Conclusion

This review highlights the scarcity of reports about transition programmes relating to ophthalmology. Existing programmes in other specialities can provide a framework which could be adapted to ophthalmology. Further research is required to develop the use and impact of programmes in ophthalmology to ensure better outcomes for patients and healthcare providers.