Transitional care for young people with connective tissue diseases

Within rheumatology, much of the literature in transitional care has addressed young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis with less attention being directed to another significant group, namely those with connective tissue diseases. These young people, although fewer in number, often present complex challenges during adolescence and the period of transition from paediatric to adult-centred services. This paper aims to explore the particular challenges transition presents to these young people and will discuss potential strategies which health professionals can adopt to effectively address their needs.