Facilitators and inhibitors to first adult care visits in the transition from paediatric to adult-orientated inflammatory bowel disease healthcare

Background The attendance at first adult care visits are a pivotal phase of a successful transition process. Aim To explore the inhibitors and facilitators to first adult care visits from paediatric to adult orientated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) healthcare. Methods An explorative qualitative study recruited seven adolescents/young adults with IBD, who transitioned in the last four years. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Findings Three themes identified various inhibitors and facilitators. The theme ‘Perception of Transition’ revealed joint care visits were facilitators and difficulties contacting the adult services were inhibitors. The second theme, Knowledge and Preparation found active promotion of independence was a facilitator. Limited focus on disease management was an inhibitor. The final theme Being an Adolescent with IBD found addressing adolescent specific topics was a facilitator. Conclusion Joint care visits with a focus on promoting independence and providing disease management education facilitate first adult care visits.