EAACI Guideline on the effective transition of adolescents and young
adults with allergy and asthma
Abstract
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients need additional support while
they experience the challenges associated with their age. They need
specific training to learn the knowledge and skills required to
confidently self-manage their allergies and/or asthma. Transitional care
is a complex process which should address the psychological, medical,
educational and vocational needs of AYA in the developmentally
appropriate way. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
has developed a clinical practice guideline to provide evidence-based
recommendations for healthcare professionals to support the transitional
care of AYA with allergy and/or asthma. This guideline was developed by
a multi-disciplinary working panel of experts and patient
representatives based on two recent systematic reviews. It sets out a
series of general recommendations on operating a clinical service for
AYA, which include: (i) starting transition early (11-13 years), (ii)
using a structured, multidisciplinary approach, (iii) ensuring AYA fully
understand their condition and have resources they can access, (iv)
active monitoring of adherence and (v) discussing any implications for
further education and work. Specific allergy and asthma transition
recommendations include (i) simplifying medication regimes and using
reminders; (ii) focusing on areas where AYA are not confident and
involving peers in training AYA patients; (iii) identifying and managing
psychological and socioeconomic issues impacting disease control and
quality of life; (iv) enrolling the family in assisting AYA to undertake
self-management and (v) encouraging AYA to let their friends know about
their allergies and asthma. These recommendations may need to be adapted
to fit into national healthcare systems.