Experiences with and Outcomes of Two Interventions to Maximize Engagement of Chronically Ill Adolescents During Hospital Consultations: A Mixed Methods Study

• Patient-provider communication is critical to improve transition-related outcomes.
• Transition readiness support should focus on adolescents’ autonomy and life skills.
• Split-visit consultations are easy to implement and agreeable to parents.
• Individual Transition Plans contribute to more holistic and patient-centered care.
• Pediatric nurses are in a unique position to engage adolescents and parents.

Improving patient-provider communication during hospital consultations is advocated to enhance self-management planning and transition readiness of adolescents with chronic conditions. This longitudinal mixed methods study evaluates the implementation and the outcomes of independent split-visit consultations and individual transition plans by 22 hospital teams participating in the Dutch Action Program ‘On Your Own Feet Ahead!’. The interventions raised awareness in adolescents and professionals, improved adolescents’ display of independent behaviors and led to more discussions about non-medical issues. Successful implementation required a team-based approach and clear explanation to parents and adolescents. Pediatric nurses played a pivotal role in improving transitional care.