Implementing transition: Ready Steady Go

TLDR

Morbidity and mortality rise for young people when transitioning from paediatric to adult care, yet effective transition has been shown to improve long‑term outcomes across diverse long‑term conditions. The article identifies obstacles that have hindered the implementation of effective transition from paediatric to adult services. It reports that the generic transition programme “Ready Steady Go” has been successfully implemented in a large NHS teaching hospital and is now part of routine care.

Abstract

There is good evidence that morbidity and mortality increase for young persons (YP) following the move from paediatric to adult services. Studies show that effective transition between paediatric and adult care improves long-term outcomes. Many of the issues faced by young people across subspecialties with a long-term condition are generic. This article sets out some of the obstacles that have delayed the implementation of effective transition. It reports on a successful generic transition programme 'Ready Steady Go' that has been implemented within a large National Health Service teaching hospital in the UK, with secondary and tertiary paediatric services, where it is now established as part of routine care.