Projet Parachute. Information videos on transition

What is the transition from pediatric to adult care like? How can continuity of care be optimized? These videos, featuring testimonials from young adults living with chronic illnesses, offer insights.

Let us know your thoughts on the videos by taking a brief survey using the QR code displayed at the end of each capsule.

This project is a collaboration between IRCM and CHU Sainte-Justine. It was made possible by funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

What is the Parachute program?

It is a program designed to facilitate the transition from pediatric to adult care. The Parachute program is structured as a journey aimed at gradually empowering young adults and involving them in the planning and organization of their care. The transition journey also helps parents adopt a supportive approach to enable young people gain independence.

Who is the Parachute program for?

For teenagers and young adults aged between 14 and 21 years old who will undergo, or have undergone, a transition from pediatric to adult care, and their parents.

**** For more information, visit the CHU Sainte-Justine project webpage.

1. Navigating life with a chronic condition

Discover in this video the reality of young people navigating adolescence and young adulthood with a chronic illness. Consideration of a plural and singular reality, managing oneself and loved ones, accepting help from others and trusting oneself, engaging in dialogue with loved ones facing different realities, and advice to help other young people navigate the challenges of a chronic illness.

2. Parental involvement

Parental involvement in managing their condition is a significant issue for young people. As they grow and become more independent, this support evolves differently for each individual. The degree of support remains flexible, and families should listen to their young adult’s needs, providing them with the tools to gradually become more autonomous at their own pace.

3. Information about transition

The pediatric-to-adult transition process is unknown to young people before they begin the process. This lack of information generates stress and prevents young people from preparing psychologically for this change. Although the transition can be abrupt, solutions are available and should be implemented.

4. Relationships with healthcare professionals

The care cultures in pediatric and adult systems differ. To address this change and build trust, guidance from a transition coordinator, continuity of appointments between the two systems, genuine listening to young people by healthcare professionals in the adult setting, and greater collaboration between the two settings would help young people embark on their transition more smoothly.

5. Continuity of care

The lack of consistency in adult care is a major concern for young people, which can lead them to disengage from their follow-up appointments. For this reason, young people need to rebuild a relationship with their healthcare professional and have time to communicate with them during their appointment.

6. Awareness message for the adult environment

Young people living with a chronic illness want to raise awareness in the adult healthcare setting to improve the transition process. Taking the time to ask questions, not hesitating to schedule more appointments, and advice for other young people starting their transition. Accepting the presence of parents, and adaptation by healthcare professionals to adults are necessary for the journey of young people in transition.