Transitional care, as defined by the Society for Adolescent Medicine refers to the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic physical and medical conditions from child centers to adult-oriented health care systems. It focuses on the administrative event of transfer of care between pediatric and adult care providers. It aims to provide support and guidance so that young people can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required to be
independent, empowered and responsible. The same principle applies to young people (YP) with chronic illnesses (including juvenile-onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases; jRMDs), who need to acquire additional skills to
independently manage their chronic illness.
The course of jRMDs often continues to adulthood as well. According to population-based inception cohort studies, approximately half of YP with jRMDs enter adulthood with active disease, or develop flares of the disease as an adult.
All YP with jRMDs are at significant risk of disability, early morbidity and limitations in later in life. These YP need continuous and appropriate care during and beyond the adolescence to ensure optimal functioning in adulthood.