Transition guidelines: An important step in the future care for childhood cancer survivors. A comprehensive definition as groundwork

Eur J Cancer. 2016 Feb:54:64-68. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.10.007. Epub 2015 Dec 28.

Abstract

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines are essential to ensure that childhood cancer survivors at risk of chronic health conditions receive effective long-term follow-up care. However, adult survivors of childhood cancer are not always engaged in recommended health promotion and follow-up practices, as many centres do not have a formal transition programme that prepares survivors and their families for successful transfer from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare. The need for a specific pan-European guideline for the transition of care for childhood cancer survivors has been recognised. The first step is to define the concept of transition of care for survivors of childhood cancer based on existing evidence.

Keywords: Childhood cancer survivors; Guidelines; Long-term follow-up care; Transition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care / classification
  • Long-Term Care / standards*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Survivors*
  • Terminology as Topic
  • Time Factors
  • Transition to Adult Care / classification
  • Transition to Adult Care / standards*
  • Transitional Care / classification
  • Transitional Care / standards*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult