You're in Charge: an innovative intervention program for families with adolescents with chronic illnesses

Abstract

The transition from pediatric to adult health services is frequently experienced by families and youth with chronic illness as stressful, poorly planned and lacking in preparation. Many literature reviews and empirical studies have been conducted to enhance health care providers' understanding of best practice in the area of transitions, and yet the perceptions of youth and families continue to indicate improvements are needed. This paper describes the development of an innovative, early preparation program for young adolescents with chronic illnesses and their families in Canada. Occupational therapists have been instrumental in guiding this development to reflect current theoretical and empirical evidence in transition and chronic disease self-management. Data from the early stages of implementation of this program are presented. Future directions for research and practice are also described.