Transfer to Adult Care—Experiences of Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

• The transfer to adult care means shifting responsibility from the parent's to the young adult.
• The process of transfer is influenced by the way in which the young adults are encountered, their previous experiences, understanding and ability to participate.
• A good care relationship, continuity and accessibility can enhance the young adults' feelings of security and trust.

More than 90% of children born with congenital heart disease survive into adulthood due to successes of cardiac surgery and medical management. Interviews with 16 young adults with congenital heart disease to explore their experiences of transfer from pediatric to adult care were performed. The analysis identified five themes; Feeling secure during the transfer process, Experiencing trust in the care, Expecting to be involved, Assuming responsibility for one's health is a process and Lack of knowledge leads to uncertainty. In conclusion; a structured and gradual transfer process was necessary to enable the informants to shoulder the responsibility for self-care.