Involving the AYA, family and other HCP
Collaboration and engagement of all stakeholders are essential for a
successful and smooth transition process. Transition can be complex and
more difficult in patients with multiple allergic diseases. It is
important that the family are involved in supporting AYA
self-management, thereby encouraging independence. During the transition
process, HCPs may consider helping AYA (with their parents/caregivers)
to understand their allergy and asthma, possible complications,
treatment rationale (including medication name, dosing, possible side
effects), effective management strategies and how to recognize higher
risk symptoms (Grade D).12,15,16,18,19 Important
skills for AYA to learn are how to make appointments, identify when and
whom to contact in case of relapse, how to negotiate and understand the
transition process and how to access the support available. AYA should
ideally be offered portable, accessible information in the form of
leaflets, web-pages, or audio for AYA to foster inclusivity and address
diverse needs. It may be also helpful for AYA to have their own personal
transition plan, developed together with a HCP and written in a form of
a ‘roadmap’ towards agreed short and long term goals and desired
outcomes for transition. As adolescents are generally characterized by
low levels of adherence, HCP may consider monitoring this more closely
during the transition process (Grade D).12,14-17 It
has been shown that AYA are more likely to follow treatment plans and
attend adult service medical appointments when they have a good
knowledge of their disease and the reasons for
treatment23,24 and good family
support.25