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Study Protocol

Interventions to support adolescents and young adults with the healthcare transition from paediatric to adult nephrology health services: A scoping review protocol

[version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]
PUBLISHED 02 Feb 2023
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Abstract

Background: Due to technological advancements and improved medical management of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with renal disease, there has been an exponential increase noted in the number of patients advancing from the paediatric to adult nephrology healthcare setting. Subsequently, more AYAs are required to undergo the process of healthcare transition from paediatric to adult healthcare services. This process is often a challenging period for young people and families and is often associated with a decline in physical and psychosocial health outcomes of AYAs with renal disorders. To ensure a successful transition, AYAs must develop the ability to manage their renal condition, including the medical and psychosocial aspects of their condition, independently. Despite significant research into the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare for this unique patient cohort, the transition period remains a challenge. The scoping review will aim to map, explore, and understand the interventions that are currently available to offer positive perceptions and experiences of transition for both AYAs living with renal disorders and their families.
Methods: A systematic literature search will be conducted of PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ASSIA, EMBASE and Web of Science databases from the year 2000 to present. Two independent reviewers will screen the title and abstracts of peer-reviewed literature obtained and assess them against the inclusion criteria to determine their inclusion eligibility. Data will be extracted and synthesised using a template refined by the authors. The scoping review will be undertaken in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data will undergo a formal critical appraisal using recognised appraisal tools.
Conclusions: Through mapping this knowledge, the scoping review will aim to identify interventions that are currently available and identify gaps within the literature. This evidence may support the development of transitional care interventions in the future, promote patient satisfaction, and improve patient outcome measures and experiences.

Keywords

Kidney Disease, Renal Disorder, Rare Renal Disorders, Transition Care, Transitional Care, Transfer to Adult Care, Young Person

Introduction

The number of young people advancing from paediatric to adult renal care has increased dramatically in recent years due to their improved medical management; patient survival rates have increased by 85–90% (Ferris et al., 2006; Lewis et al., 2009; Watson et al., 2011). Over the past few decades, earlier diagnosis, treatment advancements and the improved management have accelerated patient survival rates and improved the life expectancy of patients (Joly et al., 2015; Stepien et al., 2021). Hence, more patients are required to undergo the healthcare transition, generating an increased need for a structured, well-planned transition from the paediatric to adult healthcare setting (Joly et al., 2015).

Transitional care was first described in the literature approximately 40 years ago and is now considered to be crucial in the context of adolescent health care (Barbero, 1982; Wildes et al., 2023). Transition is defined as ‘the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic physical and medical conditions from child-centered to adult healthcare systems’. (Blum et al., 1993, p. 570). Blum et al. (1993), p. 573, further defined how transition ‘attends to the medical, psychosocial, and educational/vocational needs of adolescents’. Transitional care aims to maximise lifelong functioning and potential by providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate healthcare that continues in an uninterrupted fashion when moving between paediatric and adult health services (American Academy of Pediatrics et al., 2002). It is essential that transitional care is carefully differentiated from the “transfer” of care; “Transition” to adult healthcare refers to the process that commences during childhood and ends once the patient is fully integrated within the adult healthcare system, whereas the “transfer” of care is the distinct point in time where the patient moves to the new healthcare setting, provider or both, and is just one aspect of the transition process, which must be an anticipated, co-ordinated process (Marks, 2022).

Transition is particularly challenging for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with renal disorders due to the multisystemic complexity of their conditions. For example, patients with renal disorders may receive renal transplantation or other specialist treatments, such as enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry’s disease (Quaglia et al., 2014; Riccio et al., 2020). Furthermore, moving from paediatric to adult care occurs during an emotionally vulnerable phase of the young person’s life (Bell, 2022). The transition process occurs in tandem with the transition from adolescence to adulthood, which is well-recognised as a period of rebellion, engagement in risk-taking and impulsive behaviour, and non-adherence attributed to ongoing brain development and maturation; a period where adolescents often experiment and feel unconquerable (Kreuzer et al., 2019; Tareen & Tareen, 2017; Watson, 2005). It has been recognised that this adolescence/young adulthood period embraces ages 14–24 years, regarding brain development and maturation (Watson et al., 2011). Hence, young people in this age bracket require special consideration, and their life experiences and challenges must be considered during the transition process (Bell, 2007; Watson et al., 2011).

Evidence suggests that most youth and young adults receive inadequate or a total absence of transition preparation, transfer assistance or facilitated care integration (Gabriel et al., 2017). If AYAs transition to adult healthcare in a scenario whereby they are not able to manage their disease adequately, undesirable health outcomes may arise (Ma et al., 2021; Young et al., 2010). This is problematic and adds to the already challenging period that AYAs face at this time; AYAs are navigating their adolescent development transition period, whilst also learning to manage the various aspects of their healthcare, grieve losses experienced in their daily lives, and attend to the practicalities of various treatments, interventions, and appointments that they undergo (Kralik et al., 2010). Young people with kidney disease have specific medical needs, such as steroids, which often alter their appearance and mood, their growth may be stunted, they may be faced with extreme lifestyle modifications such as fluid and diet restrictions, intensive medication regimens with side effects, and AYA’s may have to undergo dialysis, which comes with side-effects such as fatigue, and is time consuming and restrictive (Dallimore et al., 2018).

AYAs must achieve the required competencies to manage such physical and psychosocial aspects of their illness. Hence, efficient self-management is invaluable. Self-management may be defined as ‘the daily activities that individuals undertake to keep the illnesses under control, minimize its impact on physical health status and functioning, and cope with the psychological sequelae of the illness’ (Clark et al., 1991, cited in Gallant, 2003, p.170). AYAs with long term conditions, such as chronic renal conditions, must learn how to manage and live with their condition throughout life. However, they require support to achieve their physical, psychological, and social potential (Nightingale et al., 2019; While et al., 2004). This is particularly important as AYAs move toward adulthood, and health professionals and parents require effective means of supporting AYAs to learn such skills (DOH, 2006; Nightingale et al., 2019).

A favourable health-care transition is one in which AYAs are suitably prepared for the transition and have attained the self-management competencies required both pre and indeed, post the transition (Cooley & Sagerman, 2011; Fredericks et al., 2010; Ma et al., 2021). Based on this, perhaps the re-worded version of Blum et al. (1993) definition for transitional care is more appropriate; Dovey-Pearce and Christie (2013), p.175, reframed transition as ‘the purposeful, planned process that addresses the medical, psychosocial, educational and vocational needs of adolescents and young adults….as they grow up learning to live with their lifelong health condition’. To evaluate such self-management skills and to determine the patients time and mode of transition, transition readiness tools must be utilized, such as the Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx = Treatment (STARx) (Ferris et al., 2015(a); Ferris et al., 2015(b); Ma et al., 2021).

Failure to transfer adolescents under a well-designed transfer programme, with the required competencies to manage their condition, may lead to reduced attendance at adult renal units (Çiçek & Alpay, 2022). In turn, AYAs are placed at high risk of clinical deterioration, resulting in a cascade of negative health outcomes (Foster & Bell, 2015; Kreuzer et al., 2019; Prüfe et al., 2022; Watson et al., 2011). This may be attributed to multiple factors and not exclusively poor attendance to adult clinics, such as non-adherence to medications or medical treatment and regimens, including non-adherence to life-long immunosuppressive regimens. This, in turn, leads to increased risk of rejection and allograft loss and/or a return to dialysis (Akchurin et al., 2014; Campbell et al., 2016; Crawford et al., 2020; Dobbels et al., 2010; Dobbels et al., 2009; Foster & Bell, 2015; Kreuzer et al., 2019; Mazzucato et al., 2018; Prüfe et al., 2022; Quaglia et al., 2014; Wildes et al., 2023).

Moreover, the transition process must be considered for AYAs living with rare renal disorders. Transition is often challenging for AYAs and families living with rare renal disorders. Over 300 inherited, congenital, and acquired renal disorders meet the criteria to be defined as rare renal disorders (Bassanese et al., 2021). The list of rare disorders with renal involvement is constantly growing. In Europe, renal disorders have an estimated prevalence of approximately 60–80 cases per 100,000, with nearly all children who progress to renal-replacement therapy having an inherited kidney disease (Devuyst et al., 2014). Children born with rare renal disorders, particularly severe congenital nephropathies, often face altered physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development (Aymé et al., 2017). Many children and young people living with such conditions are now surviving into adulthood with conditions that were previously unknown to adult nephrologists (Marks, 2022).

Adult renal services are receiving a growing number of AYAs with rare renal disorders who have transitioned from paediatric services (Watson et al., 2011). The transition from the paediatric to the adult healthcare setting for these patients has been reported to be a challenge to transfer, due to a lack of training and knowledge of adult nephrologists of these rare conditions, amongst several other reasons (Prüfe et al., 2017; Watson et al., 2011). However, this cohort of patients must be carefully considered, as congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract have been cited as the most common causes of end-stage and chronic kidney disease in childhood (Marks, 2022). These patients and their families must be carefully transitioned from paediatric to adult health care, with emphasis placed on the need for these patients and families to have adequate knowledge surrounding how to manage their own health, transfer to adult-centred care with up-to-date medical knowledge, and how to engage in adult health care (Gabriel et al., 2017).

Transition aims to gradually prepare AYAs and families for a successful integration into the adult healthcare system in an uninterrupted manner (Matsuda-Abedini et al., 2022). A positive transition begins in the paediatric health setting and prepares adolescents to become a self-responsible adult patient who manages their condition appropriately and ends with the patient finding their place in the adult healthcare system in a safe and secure manner (Kreuzer et al., 2019; Paone et al., 2006). Transition is considered successful if the patients’ health competence, psychosocial rehabilitation, and self-determination are promoted, including the patient having improved decision-making abilities and the ability to communicate their care effectively (Kreuzer et al., 2019; Prüfe et al., 2022; Watson et al., 2011).

The importance of an effective transition programme, incorporating well-planned interventions and strategies for young people living with renal disorders is apparent. Studies have demonstrated that the highest rate of kidney transplant loss occurs in patients aged between 16–21 years old (Foster & Bell, 2015; Kreuzer et al., 2019; Prüfe et al., 2022; Watson et al., 2011). Therefore, this age group must be carefully managed, as graft failure requires a return to dialysis, which reduces the patient’s quality of life, increases morbidity, shortens life expectancy, and leads to heightened health care expenses (Prüfe et al., 2022). Providing increased knowledge, awareness, and education to AYAs surrounding their condition and the transition process, and providing appropriate, relevant, easily accessible self-management strategies may better support AYAs with the transition process. Psychosocial support, the management of potential extrarenal complications, and genetic and reproductive counselling are other integral components that must be integrated within the transition process (Aymé et al., 2017).

Moreover, it has been established within the literature that the transition process should start early, by at least 12 to 14 years old, providing sufficient time to prepare patients and caregivers for the transition (Aymé et al., 2017; Willis & McDonagh, 2018). Nonetheless, the timing depends upon patient-specific factors, including growth, maturity, and overall readiness (Aymé et al., 2017). An effective transition programme may reduce the risk of declining renal function and acute rejection episodes and may improve long-term graft outcomes in patients (Raina et al., 2018). Due to the complexity of renal diseases, transition support and services must be carefully planned and timed, and focus on empowering a safe transfer of care from the child to the adult healthcare setting for AYAs living with renal diseases, to ensure the risk of negative health outcomes is reduced.

Interventions to support the transition process for AYAs with chronic illness include summer camps, clinics, guidelines, transition readiness scales, online educational and interpersonal communication programmes, e-health i.e., the use of mobile apps, the use of a digital monitoring device, problem solving challenges, role-play, arts-based interventions etc. (Callinan & Coyne, 2020; Catarino et al., 2021; Miller, 2022). The purpose of this scoping review is to map out the interventions that are present to support the transition care of AYAs living with renal disorders, specifically.

A preliminary search of Medline, PROSPERO (PROSPERO, 2022), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google was conducted on the 1st of October 2022. An ongoing systematic narrative review protocol was located on PROSPERO by Piccoli et al. (2020), which will explore the best approach for the clinical management of young people with chronic kidney disease undergoing transition. However, this scoping review aims to scope the literature and map any intervention to support transitional care for AYAs with renal disorders within healthcare settings, inclusive of rare renal disorders, chronic kidney disease, patients undergoing dialysis, and transplant recipients. For this review, an intervention may be defined as any programme, service, intervention, clinic, scale, model, tool, or activity that aims to support AYAs with renal disorders as they transition from paediatric to adult healthcare services. Interventions will be included if they support AYAs.

Methods

The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews (Peters et al., 2015). The methodology for this review employs the five-stage framework, as outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), incorporating more recent methodology refinements as proposed by Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien (2010) and the JBI (Peters et al., 2020). Arksey and O’Malley (2005) also identified an optional ‘consultation exercise’ to inform and validate findings, as a sixth stage at the end of the review (Arksey & O’Malley, 2005).

This step has been identified as a stage that will improve the study remarkably (Arksey & O’Malley, 2005). Experts in transitional care research, paediatric nephrology, and various relevant stakeholders within the disciplines of psychology, sociology, academia, and research will be invited to be a part of the scoping review, and to appraise and validate the review findings. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses Scoping Review extension (PRISMA-ScR) checklist will be utilised to increase methodological transparency and ensure consistency when publishing findings (Tricco et al., 2018). The six-stage Scoping Review Framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) will be employed to guide the scoping review protocol and the preceding scoping review.

Aims/objectives

The objective of this scoping review is to map the various interventions that are available within the literature to support AYAs and families living with renal disorders as they transition from the paediatric to the adult healthcare system. The following research questions will be addressed:

  • 1. Identify, appraise, and synthesise knowledge surrounding interventions to support the transition process for young people living with renal disorders, including an examination of the theories, models, frameworks, and guidelines that underpin these interventions.

  • 2. Understand what interventions are available to support a successful outcome for AYAs with renal disorders.

  • 3. Ascertain whether the AYAs were involved in the intervention’s development.

  • 4. Determine the study settings, conditions and geographical contexts, and the study types conducted (e.g., qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods methodology).

  • 5. Ascertain the experiences, barriers and facilitators recognised by young people living with renal disorders, of current transition interventions.

  • 6. Clarify how the concept of “transitional care” has been defined, classified, and understood in the existing literature.

  • 7. Identify research and knowledge gaps in the literature.

Stage one: Identification of the scoping review research question

The scoping review question guides and directs the development of the review process. In this review, the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework will be utilised, which has been recognised as an effective framework for a scoping review by the JBI (Peters et al., 2020). The preliminary question is:

What is the evidence base for interventions that are available to support the transition of care (Concept) from the paediatric to adult healthcare setting (Context) for adolescents and young adults living with renal disorders (Population)?

Stage two: Identifying relevant studies

A systematic literature review aims to obtain as many relevant studies as possible on a particular topic, using a thorough, objective, and reproducible search of a range of sources (Levay & Craven, 2019). Being systematic minimises bias (Levay & Craven, 2019). The review question has been formulated using the PCC framework. This ensures that appropriate, relevant search terms can be developed, ensuring the retrieval of pertinent results on the interventions available to support the transitional care of young people living with renal conditions, and will ensure that the retrieval of irrelevant results is minimised.

Eligibility criteria

The inclusion and exclusion criteria is developed through the generation of a PCC table (Table 1), as recognised by Boland, Cherry and Dickson (2017) as an effective means of defining criteria. This process remains iterative, and any changes made throughout the review will be recorded and documented to maintain transparency and rigor in reporting.

Table 1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Review questionWhat is the evidence base for the interventions that are available to support the transition of care from the
paediatric to adult healthcare setting for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with renal disorders?
InclusionExclusion
PopulationHumans.
Studies that include AYAs (12-24 years old), who are
living with a renal disorder.
AYAs must be: (a) Preparing for transition; (b) currently
undergoing transition; (c) having undergone transition
from the paediatric to the adult healthcare setting.
Studies that refer to families, caregivers, healthcare
providers, programme managers and policymakers
involved in the transition process alongside the AYAs.
Male, female and non-binary individuals.
Any study population other than humans, i.e.,
animals.
Studies that do not include AYAs between 12-24
years old who are living with renal disorders.
Studies that do not refer to AYAs undergoing the
transition process from the paediatric to the adult
healthcare setting.
ConceptThe concept of transition from the child-centred to the
adult centred healthcare system.
Transitional care interventions – any intervention, for
example, programme, service, intervention, clinic, or
activity that aims to support the movement of AYAs and
families from paediatric to adult healthcare services.
Does not refer to transition from a child-centred to
adult centred healthcare system.
Any intervention that is not designed to support
transition.
ContextAYAs with renal disorders, including chronic renal
disorders, rare renal disorders, kidney transplant
recipients and AYAs on renal dialysis.
Studies that do not refer to renal disorders,
including chronic renal disorders, rare renal
disorders, kidney transplant recipients and AYAs on
renal dialysis.
Study design and
study focus
All peer-reviewed studies of any study design.Studies that are not peer-reviewed.
Setting/geographical
location
Secondary and tertiary level health services, including
hospitals (various areas within the hospital such as
wards, outpatient departments etc.).
No limits will be placed on geographical location, both
national and international literature.
No limits will be placed on language.
Studies that refer to any other transition process,
other than the transition process from the
paediatric to adult healthcare services.
Studies that do not refer to secondary or tertiary
healthcare services, or other health service areas
such as respite or residential centres, community,
or special care.
Time periodStudies on or after the year 2000 to current.Any study prior to the year 2000.

Population

This scoping review will include AYAs living with any renal condition, encompassing any chronic or rare renal condition, patients who are currently on renal dialysis, and renal transplant recipients. Furthermore, studies that refer to any rare disorder with renal involvement will be included. Studies that focus on AYAs living with renal disorders, or studies that refer to families, caregivers, healthcare providers, programme managers and policymakers involved in the transition process alongside the AYA will also be included.

Age

Studies will be included if they refer to AYAs between the ages of 12–24 years old, who are either (a) preparing for the transition process, (b) currently undergoing the transition process, or (c) having undergone transition from the paediatric to the adult healthcare setting. This age range is deemed appropriate, as 13/14 years old is the recommended age to commence the transition process, and through the inclusion of patients up until the age of 24 years, we can retrieve results from patients who may have completed the process (Willis & McDonagh, 2018). Furthermore, this age group is appropriate, as the International Society of Nephrology and the International Pediatric Nephrology Association have recommended that transition should occur between 14 and 24 years old (Joly et al., 2015). By including 12 and 13 year olds, we can capture patients who are about to commence transition.

Gender

Studies that refer to male, female and non-binary young people with renal disorders will be included in the review. This will avoid gender bias (Upchurch, 2020). Gender is often characterised as female, male or non-binary. This review will include all genders to promote inclusivity and to widen participation.

Concept

This review will examine the concept of transition from a child and family centred healthcare system to the adult centred healthcare system. Transition is defined as the purposeful, planned transition of adolescents with a chronic kidney condition from paediatric, family-centred health services to adult, person-centred health services (Campbell et al., 2016). This review will examine interventions that support the transition process. For this review, interventions encompass any programme, service, intervention, clinic, or activity that aims to support the movement of AYAs and families from paediatric to adult healthcare services.

Context

Setting

This scoping review will consider primary research studies that have been conducted in multiple different settings within secondary and tertiary level health services, including hospitals (including various areas within the hospital such as wards or outpatient departments).

Geographical location

No limits will be placed on the geographical locations included within this study. Furthermore, there will be no language limits placed on our initial search. This ensures that language and publication bias is avoided. As discussed by Boland et al. (2017), language bias may arise if only English-speaking countries are included due to English-language journals being more likely to publish positive results. Due to resource limitations, the literature will be searched in English, with no restrictions placed on language. This ensures maximum retrieval of literature in all potential languages. Efforts will be made to translate study abstracts, where possible, using translation tools such as google translation services. However, literature that is obtained but not in the language of choice (English), and that cannot be readily translated due to resource limitations, will be excluded (Gough et al., 2017).

Nonetheless, by not setting language limitations when searching, all potential literature can be obtained and made readily available for other researchers who may have the resources to translate the articles that are obtained (Gough et al., 2017). Furthermore, publication bias often occurs due to studies with positive results being more likely to be submitted and selected for publication in peer-reviewed journals when compared to studies that report null results (Boland et al., 2017). Therefore, if excluded, the review could potentially miss any negative or null findings and skew the scoping review findings.

Types of sources

This scoping review will consider all study designs and review types that explore interventions to support the transition process amongst young people with renal disorders, including quantitative study designs—both experimental (e.g., randomised control trials, non-randomised trials) and observational (including prospective and retrospective cohort studies, or analytical cross-sectional studies). Qualitative study designs will be included, such as grounded theories, qualitative descriptive, phenomenology, action research or feminist research. In the initial reviewing process, both studies available in full-text and abstract format will be considered for review. This will ensure that the most up-to-date evidence is not missed (Boland et al., 2017). Any literature that does not present data meeting the inclusion criteria will be excluded.

Search strategy

The formulation of a search strategy is invaluable and must be transparent, accountable and replicable, ensuring a systematic process is followed (Gough et al., 2017). A comprehensive search strategy was developed by the primary researcher in consultation with an expert librarian (DS) with experience in undertaking literature searches and using thesaurus tools (Table 2). To develop the search strategy, an initial scoping search was conducted in databases including PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar on 14th October 2022. This identified articles relevant to the topic. Free-text words and subject headings/index terms were located from titles, abstracts, and main texts of articles, and were used to further enrich and inform the search strategy (Boland et al., 2017).

Table 2. Search strategy.

Research
question
themes
Search terms
Population“Young people” OR Youth* OR Adolescen* OR teen* OR “Young person*” OR Juvenile* OR Child* OR Kid OR Kids OR
Minor* OR Paediatric* OR Pediatric* OR Childhood OR Pre-adult* OR Preadult* OR “Pre adult*” OR “Young adult*” OR
“Child hood” OR Child-hood
ConceptIntervention* OR Program* OR Tool* OR Model* OR Scale* OR Frame* OR Framework* OR Clinic* OR E-health* OR
mHealth* OR eHealth* OR M-health* OR E-health* OR “Digi* health*” OR digi* OR “Digi-health” OR Procedure* OR
Protocol* OR Pathway* OR Manual* OR Strateg* OR Measure* OR Tele-health OR “Tele health” OR Application* OR App
OR Apps OR Computer* OR Telehealth OR Workshop* OR Recommend* OR Support* OR Instrument* OR Website* OR
Web OR Guide* OR Guidance OR Activit* OR Mechanism* OR Approach* OR Method* OR Scheme* OR Digital-health* OR
Software* OR Technolog*
AND
“Transition of care” OR “Transitional Care” OR “Transition care” OR Transition* OR “Healthcare transition” OR “Transition to
adult care” OR “Transfer* to adult care” OR “Transfer from pediatric to adult care” OR “Transfer from paediatric to adult
care” OR “Transfer care” OR “Medical transition” OR “Health transition” OR “Healthcare transition” OR “Medical transfer”
OR Transitioning OR “Paediatric transition” OR “Pediatric transition” OR “Patient transfer” OR “Transition healthcare” OR
“Transition to Adult” OR “Transition Healthcare” OR Transition* OR “Patient transfer” OR Transition* OR "Care continuum"
OR "Continuity of care"
AND
“Healthcare setting*” OR Hospital* OR Clinic* OR Outpatient* OR “Emergency Department*” OR “Emergency Room”
OR “Emergency service*” OR Ward* OR Inpatient* OR Outpatient* OR “Tertiary health*” OR “Tertiary hospital*” OR
“Tertiary care cent*” OR “Tertiary referral cent*” OR “Emergency ward*” OR ED OR ER OR In-patient* OR Out-patient* OR
"Secondary care*" OR "Secondary health*"
ContextRenal OR kidney OR nephrology

The thesaurus tools, subject headings and synonyms were utilised and shared across databases to maximise search results. Furthermore, the use of truncation and ‘proximity’ searching was utilised (Gough et al., 2017). The search strategy encompasses the use of Boolean operators, truncation, subject headings across each database, and free-text headings for each database. The librarian (DS) will provide support and assistance to the primary researcher when carrying out searches of the databases.

Furthermore, the literature search strategy utilised will be reported in the scoping review, within a table in the appendix, to ensure easy replication by others (Tricco et al., 2018). The search strategy is iterative (Gough et al., 2017). Therefore, any modifications or adjustments to the search strategy as the review progresses, will be clearly documented to ensure transparency in searching. Databases will be limited to the year 2000, ensuring that the results portray relevant interventions that consider medical and technological advancements within the realm of healthcare over the past two decades. Furthermore, only peer-reviewed literature will be included in the scoping review.

Quality appraisal

For the scoping review, a quality appraisal will be undertaken, using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) (Hong et al., 2018) and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, 2022). Quality appraisal or critical appraisal is defined as a process whereby research is evaluated carefully and systematically in terms of its trustworthiness, relevance, and value (Burls, 2015). Only peer-reviewed papers that have been published within academic journals will be included in this scoping review.

Case studies, individual case reports, opinion pieces, commentaries, editorials and grey literature will also be excluded from the review, based on resource availability to the primary researcher (MK), including a limited amount of time and funding to undertake the review as part of an academic degree. To ensure a comprehensive mapping of the literature, a broad range of databases will be searched. The databases that will be searched include: (1) Health databases, including PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text and Embase; (2) Social sciences databases, including PsycInfo and ASSIA; and (3) Multidisciplinary databases, including Web of Science.

The rationale for searching more than just one database is justified. The databases selected encompass health and social sciences databases. These databases have been chosen strategically, as Transitional Care requires a multi-disciplinary approach, and must include not only physical support, but also psychosocial support (Aymé et al., 2017). Therefore, it is essential to not only include health databases, but also social sciences and multidisciplinary databases. The author will not undertake complementary search techniques, including bibliographic searching and hand searching, in addition to searching databases due to the time restrictions of the primary author to complete the review in a timely manner as a component of their academic degree.

Stage three: Study selection

Each search will be documented systematically, including the date, search terms, results per search string. Following the literature search, all results obtained through the databases will be collated and imported into a bibliographic reference manager EndNote 20. All imported results will be dated and saved to individual libraries, depending upon which database they were collected from. This enables the authors to keep a record and manage their search results. Following the import of the results to EndNote 20, all duplicates will be removed.

The number of articles retrieved following these steps will be added to the PRISMA-ScR flowchart, as recommended by the JBI (Peters et al., 2020) (Figure 1). Furthermore, a PRISMA-ScR flowchart will be completed following the completion of each search to ensure transparency when mapping the number of records identified and to provide a rationale as to why studies were excluded (Page et al., 2021; PRISMA, 2020).

60683c89-05c0-4391-8701-f7fc368cf3e7_figure1.gif

Figure 1. PRISMA 2020 Flowchart for Scoping Review (Page et al., 2021).

Search results from EndNote will be imported for further screening and reviewing in Covidence systematic review screening and data extraction software tool (Covidence, 2022). Once complete, the screening and data extraction process can commence. This process will be undertaken in three steps: (1) Title and abstract screening; (2) Full-text review; (3) Data extraction in Covidence. Following screening and removal of duplicates, further screening will be performed with the titles and abstracts of all studies obtained being screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria (Boland et al. 2017). The primary author (MK) and fourth author (SS) will review the title and abstracts independently, before being included or excluded in the review. This reduces bias and makes the review process more robust (Boland et al, 2017).

A pilot testing of literature obtained (n=15) will be undertaken using Covidence software with the inclusion and exclusion criteria inputted to the software tool to ensure consistency of the methodology utilised within the selection process (Peters et al., 2020). This process will be transparent, and document all decisions made surrounding which literature was included or excluded and a rationale for inclusion or exclusion. Covidence will support this process by tracking/logging decisions made throughout the process. Any discrepancies or lack of consensus between authors during the screening process will result in the second author (TK) being consulted and adjudicating. Following this, full-text review will be undertaken by the first and fourth authors (MK & SS).

Once again, if disagreement arises between authors during the screening process, the second independent author (TK) will intervene and further review the literature against the inclusion and exclusion criteria and overcome the differences of opinion. Furthermore, if any missing data is noted within papers, the authors will be contacted by the primary author (MK). This will ensure maximum retrieval of full-text papers when there is no full report available online.

Stage four: Data charting

In scoping reviews, data extraction is often referred to as “data charting” (JBI, 2022). Data charting will be undertaken using a version of the JBI data extraction tool, referred to as a charting table, modified by the authors to fit the objectives of the scoping review (Table 3) (Peters et al., 2020). An example of the data extraction tool will be included in the appendix. This charting form will be piloted on two articles, chosen at random by all authors.

Table 3. Sample data charting form (Peters et al., 2020).

Data chart headingDescription
Author(s)Name of author(s)
DateDate article sources
Title of articleTitle of the article or study
Origin/Country of OriginWhere the article/study was published/conducted
Publication YearThe year that the article was published
Publication typeJournal, Website, Conference etc.
Study detailsType of study, empirical or review, etc.
Study Aims/PurposeThe aims of the study
Population and sample sizePopulation/sample size within evidence
Research Design Research methods/techniques employed
Quality AppraisalCritical appraisal through appraisal tools
Methodological ApproachesMethods to examine the topic
Data AnalysisAnalysis of the data
KeywordsWhat keywords were used
Study settingHospital setting
Intervention typeDetails surrounding the intervention and its duration (if applicable)
Co-DesignWere AYAs/Families involved in the interventions design?
Transitional Care InterventionHow was transitional care defined in the literature?
ExperiencesWhat was the experience of the AYAs/families surrounding the
named intervention? What were the barriers/enablers of the
named intervention?
FindingsNoteworthy results of the study
ConclusionImportant aspects of the conclusion

This tool may be further refined in the subsequent review during the data extraction process, as the review progresses. Modifications will be detailed in the scoping review for transparency in reporting. The data that will be charted includes details surrounding the population, concept, context, study methodology, quality appraisal, findings that are significant to the review’s objective and questions. We will also extract information on the interventions including their use, whether the intervention was co-designed with AYAs and families, whether a transfer readiness assessment tool was utilised to assess the effectiveness of the intervention on transition outcomes.

The data extraction process will be transparent, and document all decisions made surrounding which literature was included or excluded and a rationale for inclusion or exclusion. An example of the data extraction tool will be included in the appendix. As identified previously, a quality appraisal will be undertaken of all results obtained, using the MMAT (Hong et al., 2018) and the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, 2022).

Stage five: Collating, summarising and reporting results

Each data charting form that is completed will be documented within a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, which will capture information for each study and will be made available for all authors involved in the review via a shared Google Drive. Literature search and screening process results will be presented within a PRIMSA-ScR flow diagram (Peters et al., 2020). Key constructs will be summarised through descriptive content analysis by the authors, in line with the JBI guidance, which advocates that scoping reviews should only incorporate basic descriptive analysis (Peters et al., 2020).

Quantitative studies retrieved will be analysed using basic frequency counts of concepts, populations, and study locations (Peters et al., 2020). Qualitative studies will be summarised through descriptive content analysis by the authors (Peters et al., 2020). Basic data coding data will be undertaken by the authors to categorise data and enable identification and clarification of concepts or definitions within the field (Peters et al., 2020). The results of the review will be discussed between the authors, and with the review team to further enhance and add meaning to the results obtained. The results of the review will be presented in the form of diagrams, tabs and graphics. The authors will be transparent and explicit in their approach to data analysis and will document all decisions made throughout the review.

Stage six: Consultation

Consultation for this scoping review will be undertaken in the form of an expert reference panel to support the reviewers throughout all stages of this review. This review will consult with and invite experts from Universities and Healthcare Settings in both the North and South of Ireland to act as an expert panel for this review. It is anticipated that this panel will include individuals with expertise in transitional care, paediatric nephrology multidisciplinary teams, and staff members from the world of academia. Furthermore, and importantly, the review results will be distributed to patient participation involvement (PPI) groups, including AYAs with renal disorders and families. This review is part of a larger PhD study, which is being undertaken by the primary reviewer (MK), and the scoping review will feed into the design of the primary research study.

Dissemination plans for completed scoping review

Various dissemination strategies will be employed post completion of this scoping review. The results of the scoping review will be shared amongst various academic institutions both within Ireland and Northern Ireland. The results will be shared with multi-disciplinary teams within both adult and paediatric clinical settings on a national level that care for AYAs with renal disorders undergoing transition. The authors will engage with these teams to share and discuss the review findings and interpretations and to gather their perspective on the findings obtained from the review. The primary author will also strive to present the findings of this scoping review, through oral and poster presentations, at local, national, and international conferences, as can be facilitated. Finally, post completion of the scoping review, the author will seek publication in peer reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Pediatric Nursing. Publication in a peer-reviewed academic article is an excellent means of reaching academic, clinical and research audiences (Boland et al., 2017).

Study status

The scoping review is currently in the preliminary stages of searching the databases.

Conclusions

For AYAs and families living with renal disorders, the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare can be challenging. Transition is often associated with risk, health status deterioration and psychological and social stress. There is an urgent need to better understand the interventions that support AYAs living with renal disorders to obtain the required competencies to support transition to the adult healthcare setting. This scoping review will explore what is known about such interventions to promote patient satisfaction and improve patient outcome measures and experiences.

The results will offer a theoretical and empirical basis for the future development of transitional care interventions for AYAs with renal disorders. This scoping review is part of a larger PhD project examining the current transition care available for AYAs and families living with renal disorders. The results will be invaluable to feed into the research project and gain a better understanding of the interventions utilised during the transition process for this cohort of patients. The findings of this review will seek publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and may be presented at local, national, and international conferences, and shared with nephrologists, the wider multidisciplinary team, researchers, AYAs and families through rare disease and renal organisations.

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Kinch M, Kroll T, Stokes D and Somanadhan S. Interventions to support adolescents and young adults with the healthcare transition from paediatric to adult nephrology health services: A scoping review protocol [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]. HRB Open Res 2023, 6:9 (https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.13684.1)
NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approvedFundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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Reviewer Report 27 Jun 2023
Alison Luke, The University of New Brunswick (UNB) Saint John Collaboration for Evidence-Informed Healthcare: A JBI Centre of Excellence, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 54
Thank you for the opportunity to review this scoping review protocol. I think the review will be an important addition to the transition literature.

Please find below some feedback and edits.
  1. In the
... Continue reading
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CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Luke A. Reviewer Report For: Interventions to support adolescents and young adults with the healthcare transition from paediatric to adult nephrology health services: A scoping review protocol [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]. HRB Open Res 2023, 6:9 (https://doi.org/10.21956/hrbopenres.14965.r34084)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 03 Aug 2023
    Melissa Kinch, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
    03 Aug 2023
    Author Response
    The authors sincerely thank you for taking the time to provide valuable and insightful feedback for the proposed scoping review. We have taken all your suggestions and made the relevant ... Continue reading
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 03 Aug 2023
    Melissa Kinch, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
    03 Aug 2023
    Author Response
    The authors sincerely thank you for taking the time to provide valuable and insightful feedback for the proposed scoping review. We have taken all your suggestions and made the relevant ... Continue reading
Views
72
Cite
Reviewer Report 22 Feb 2023
Kim Mooney-Doyle, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA 
Approved
VIEWS 72
The goal of this scoping review is to map the evidence for intervention to support AYA with kidney disease from pediatric to adult transition. The authors will use Arskey and O'Malley's approach, which is is a strength, and will seek ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Mooney-Doyle K. Reviewer Report For: Interventions to support adolescents and young adults with the healthcare transition from paediatric to adult nephrology health services: A scoping review protocol [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]. HRB Open Res 2023, 6:9 (https://doi.org/10.21956/hrbopenres.14965.r33428)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 03 Aug 2023
    Melissa Kinch, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
    03 Aug 2023
    Author Response
    The authors would like to thank you for your time providing feedback on our scoping review protocol. We value your feedback and suggestions for improvement and have made all relevant ... Continue reading
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 03 Aug 2023
    Melissa Kinch, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
    03 Aug 2023
    Author Response
    The authors would like to thank you for your time providing feedback on our scoping review protocol. We value your feedback and suggestions for improvement and have made all relevant ... Continue reading

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VERSION 3 PUBLISHED 02 Feb 2023
Comment
Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions

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