Consensus statements on the transition care for adolescents with rheumatic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMDs) of childhood onset are chronic conditions that often persist into adulthood, necessitating a structured transition from Pediatric to adult healthcare. In Saudi Arabia, no standardized protocol exists, leading to inconsistencies and care gaps for adolescents with RMDs. Saudi health transformation goals include improving overall health, enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, and increasing value by improving outcomes and controlling costs.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a consensus statement on transitional care for adolescents with juvenile autoimmune diseases in Saudi Arabia, providing a structured framework to guide healthcare providers in creating effective transition programs.

DESIGN

We used the Delphi methodology, integrating a literature review with expert opinions to generate consensus statements.

METHODS

A steering committee oversaw the process, which involved two rounds of voting among 16 expert panelists. Consensus was defined as >75% of participants' agreement. Statements that did not achieve consensus were revised and subjected to a second round of evaluation. The consensus was reviewed and supported by two adolescent patients.

RESULTS

In the first round, consensus was reached on 21 of 30 statements; 9 were revised for the second round, and 3 additional statements were introduced. Of these 12 second-round statements, 7 reached consensus. Key findings included establishing a structured national transition protocol, ongoing professional development for healthcare providers, and educational programs for patients and their families. The study also highlighted the necessity of regular readiness assessments using validated tools, such as the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to transition care.

CONCLUSION

The consensus statement provides a foundational framework for transitional care in Saudi Arabia, addressing the need for structured, patient-centered transition programs. Clear guidelines, continuous assessment, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration are emphasized to improve care quality and outcomes for adolescents with RMDs transitioning to adult healthcare.