Transition readiness in adolescents with congenital heart disease during transfer to adult care: A secondary analysis of the STEPSTONES randomized controlled trial

Purpose

Adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk of discontinuity of care during transfer from pediatric to adult services. Transition readiness is considered essential for a safe transfer. This study evaluated the effect of the STEPSTONES person-centered transition program on adolescents’ self-reported transition readiness compared with usual care. Design and methods: This secondary analysis was based on a randomized controlled trial conducted at two Swedish CHD centers. A total of 139 adolescents (age 16 years) were randomized to intervention (n = 70) or usual care (n = 69). The intervention group received the STEPSTONES program in addition to usual care over two years. Transition readiness was assessed at ages 16 (T0), 17 (T1), and 18.5 (T2) using the Readiness for Transition Questionnaire. Between-group differences were analyzed with Mann–Whitney U tests, and longitudinal changes were examined using mixed-design ANOVA.