The Experience of transition preparation for children and adolescents with mental disorders in China: A Qualitative study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Adolescence marks a significant transition from pediatric to adult health care, during which children and adolescents with mental disorders may encounter unique needs and challenges. However, there is limited understanding of the experiences, perspectives, and needs of children and adolescents with mental disorders during the transition of healthcare, particularly in non-English-speaking countries. Methods To gain a deeper understanding of the transition preparation experience for mental disorders in children and adolescents in the People's Republic of China, we conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 15 children and adolescents diagnosed with mental disorders, employing interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings: This study sheds light on the unique obstacles and needs encountered by children and adolescents with mental disorders during the transitional period. Our analysis identified five overarching themes: Discrepancy between transitional awareness and action; Gaps in Transitional Care During the Transformation Process; Multidimensional needs in transitional care; Contradiction between desire for self-Management of illness and limited capacity; Dual attributes of family support. Conclusions Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the transitional experiences of adolescents with psychiatric disorders in China. The current state of transition readiness among this population is concerning, highlighting multifaceted dilemmas and diverse needs. Notably, we offer novel insights into the "dual" nature of family support, emphasizing both its motivating and obstructive aspects. These insights underscore the pivotal importance of developing tailored transition interventions that cater to the individual needs of adolescents. Such tailored approaches are crucial for facilitating smoother transitions to adult healthcare systems, ensuring continuity of care and improved patient outcomes.