Multidisciplinary Approach for Adult Patients With Childhood-Onset Chronic Disease Focusing on Promoting Pediatric to Adult Healthcare Transition Interventions: An Updated Systematic Review

Introduction: Owing to improved prognosis, the number of adult patients with childhood-onset chronic disease (APCCD) has increased. In this systematic review, we evaluated a multidisciplinary approach toward APCCD, focusing on promoting pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions and their effects. Methods: We reviewed literature comparing the effects of pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions in children and adolescents with childhood-onset chronic disease, using PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, from 2010 to 2021 (keywords: "transition, " "children, " "intervention, " "healthcare, " etc.). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) original studies, (ii) studies on pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions in children with chronic disease, (iii) patients including "adolescents " aged 12 and older receiving intervention, and (iv) studies that included the four elements of the PICO model: Patient/ Problem, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome model. Results: After evaluating 678 studies, 16 were selected, comprising topics such as "individual education programs " (n = 6), "group meetings " (n = 6), "active learning using information and communications technology " (n = 2), and "transition clinics " (n = 2). The effects obtained varied, depending on the contents and methods of the intervention. Additionally, there was no evidence of adverse outcomes from these interventions. Conclusions: Pediatric to adult healthcare transition interventions provide systematic support for the transition, patient independence, and social participation; thus, they should be adopted based on their expected effects.