Exploring the Transition of the Young Person with Chronic Pain

Abstract

Objective: To explore and describe the current transition environment for young people with chronic pain in Canada. Quantitative study: An online survey of nurses working in the pediatric and adult chronic pain setting was conducted to describe the current clinical practices used in both settings to support transition of young people with chronic pain in Canada. Qualitative study: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people with chronic pain who had recently transitioned from the pediatric setting to the adult healthcare setting to explore their transition experiences. Conclusions: The findings from these studies suggest that young people with chronic pain have similar transition related needs to other young people with chronic conditions as well as unique challenges. Nurses can have a positive impact on transition outcomes by developing processes and forming networks of clinicians who work with young people with chronic pain in order to improve transition related outcomes.