Transition of Adolescents with Chronic Kidney Disease to Adult Health Service: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background. The transition of adolescents with chronic diseases from pediatric to adult health service is often accompanied by a decrease in adherence to the recommendations, non-regular scheduled medical consultations, disease course monitoring violation. All together it can lead to exacerbation and progression of the chronic disease and a decrease in quality of life. Programs for patients with nephrological diseases that optimize the process of their transition to adult service can improve the course of chronic kidney disease (according to international experts). Objective. The aim of the study was to systematize data from the published literature on the transition of adolescents with chronic kidney disease to adult health service; identify gaps in scientific knowledge; and determine areas for future research. Methods. Scoping review was performed by searching for articles in the databases: PubMed, eLIBRARY.RU, The Cochrane Library, via Google Scholar and in reference lists of selected articles. We have selected articles published in Russian or English with no publication date limitation and corresponding to inclusion criteria. Results. 185 (8.5%) out of 2,184 identified literature sources were included in the study. The results of 25 works were included in the analysis of transition programs efficacy. There were no Russian-language articles matching the inclusion criteria. The majority of publications types were original scientific studies (retrospective observational studies, questionnaire surveys, qualitative and mixed methods studies with interviewing) and narrative reviews. It was shown that both complex programs and narrow-focus interventions have been implemented to improve the transition process. It has been noted that the efficacy of such initiatives still remains insufficiently studied, including among experimental studies. Conclusion. Formation of the scientific knowledge system on the transition of patients with chronic kidney disease to adult health service requires high-level evidence. Further researches are needed in this field in the Russian health system as well.