Promoting factors for transition readiness of adolescent chronic illnesses: Experiences in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: Health care transition, a unique process of providing continuity of care from pediatrics to adult care system, has succeeded in some countries, particularly in the developed world. In Thailand, transition readiness has been in the forefront to improve health care system. The present study aimed to determine the factors correlated to transition readiness in chronically ill adolescents. Material and Method: Participants aged 14 to 20 years old having varieties of chronic illness, from randomized hospitals in the upper southern part of Thailand, were voluntarily interviewed and completed validated self-administered questionnaires related to studied factors. Results: Transition readiness had statistical significant positive correlation with self-esteem and psychosocial support (r = 0.38, p < 0.01, r = 0.39, p < 0.01, respectively), while anxiety showed strongly negative correlation (r = -0.25, p < 0.05). Conclusion: To improve the health care transition system in Thailand, clinicians should focus on the process of preparing the patients. Building patients' self-esteem and providing rich psychosocial rapport as well as training stress management to the adolescent patients is an essential task that builds from the routine education on disease knowledge.