Life transitions of adolescents and young adults with life-limiting conditions

Johnston, B. , Jindal-Snape, D. and Pringle, J. (2016) Life transitions of adolescents and young adults with life-limiting conditions. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 22(12), pp. 608-617. (doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2016.22.12.608) (PMID:27992275)

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Abstract

A systematic review was conducted to appraise and classify evidence related to the life transitions of adolescents and young adults with life-limiting conditions. The databases searched were MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CancerLit, and AMED. Methodological quality was assessed using an established tool and the final articles included in the study were rated as moderate to high quality. Articles were then assessed based on the insight that they provided into life transitions for adolescents and young adults. Eighteen studies were included in the final review, with two major life transitions identified as pertinent: ‘illness transition’ and ‘developmental transition’. These concurrent transitions were found to be relevant to adolescents and young adults with life-limiting conditions, generating complex needs. Sub-themes within the transitions were also identified. Furthermore, the illness transition was found to also impact significant others, namely family members, having physical, mental and emotional health implications and requiring them to make adaptations. Future research is needed to focus on adolescent and young adult perspectives to bring further insight into these key transitions, since such perspectives are currently underrepresented. Attention to the impact of the illness on the whole family would be useful to expand findings from this review.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Johnston, Professor Bridget
Authors: Johnston, B., Jindal-Snape, D., and Pringle, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:International Journal of Palliative Nursing
Publisher:Mark Allen Healthcare
ISSN:1357-6321
Published Online:19 December 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 MA Healthcare Limited
First Published:First published in International Journal of Palliative Nursing 22(12): 608-617
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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