In a significant advancement for endocrinology, the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) have collaboratively unveiled the first comprehensive Joint Clinical Practice Guidance aimed at optimizing healthcare transitions from paediatric to adult endocrine services. This guidance marks a critical milestone in addressing the complexities involved when adolescents with endocrine disorders move from child-focused medical care into adult healthcare frameworks, ensuring a seamless continuum of treatment that is both evidence-based and patient-centered.
Transitioning care for young patients with endocrine disorders represents a uniquely challenging phase, given the multifaceted physiological, developmental, and psychosocial changes occurring during this life stage. The guidance, meticulously developed by an expert panel comprising clinicians, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals from across Europe, delineates an interdisciplinary approach that prioritizes structured transition processes. This approach is designed to reduce care fragmentation, prevent treatment interruption, and mitigate the risks of adverse outcomes associated with the gap in healthcare services frequently observed during the transfer from paediatric to adult providers.
Central to the guidance is the implementation of structured transition pathways. These pathways emphasize early readiness assessment, facilitating joint consultations where paediatric and adult endocrinologists collaborate directly to align treatment objectives and clinical plans. By fostering active communication and coordinated handovers, these pathways aim to create continuity in endocrine care, particularly critical for chronic conditions such as hypopituitarism, diabetes mellitus, and growth or puberty disorders where endocrine regulation is essential for long-term health and quality of life.
The guidance further advocates for multidisciplinary collaboration involving not only endocrinologists but also nurses, psychologists, and allied health professionals. This endorses a holistic model of care wherein physical health needs are integrated with psychological support and education. Such an inclusive approach enables the development of personalized transition plans that respect the diverse needs of young patients, supporting their autonomy and engagement in managing their health.
A cornerstone of this clinical guidance is its strong focus on patient-centered communication. Recognizing adolescents and young adults as active participants in their care, the guidance recommends tools and strategies to involve patients and their families in shared decision-making. This empowers patients through education about their condition, treatment options, and self-management techniques, fostering greater adherence and smoother adaptation to adult healthcare settings.
Safety and continuity are underscored through the introduction of practical instruments such as checklists to comprehensively document medical histories, risk factors, and ongoing healthcare needs. These measures are designed to bridge informational gaps that frequently occur during transfer phases and to minimize the risk of overlooking critical clinical details that could compromise treatment efficacy or patient safety.
This clinical practice guidance is deeply rooted in an extensive review of contemporary scientific literature, expert consensus statements, and real-world clinical experience from diverse healthcare environments across Europe. By synthesizing this collective knowledge, the guidance serves not only as a protocol for standardized care delivery but also as a blueprint to harmonize transition practices between different health systems, thereby elevating the overall quality and reliability of endocrine care during this vulnerable phase.
Prominent figures in the endocrinology community emphasize the transformative potential of this guidance. Sebastian Neggers, Co-Chair representing ESE, highlights how this document equips healthcare professionals with clear, actionable strategies to guide young patients through transition safely and effectively, reducing the historically high rates of healthcare disengagement during adolescence. Enora Le Roux, Co-Chair for ESPE, underscores the importance of early planning and the critical role of patient empowerment in achieving successful transitions.
The guidance release is accompanied by plans for comprehensive educational initiatives spearheaded jointly by ESE and ESPE. These programs aim to address practical challenges healthcare professionals encounter, provide specialized training for transition care, and cultivate a community of practice that endorses excellence in managing endocrine conditions across the lifespan. Such initiatives are essential for the widespread uptake and real-world impact of this guidance, ensuring that the principles of coordinated, patient-centered care permeate clinical practice settings throughout Europe.
Looking forward, both societies commit to ongoing efforts to monitor how the guidance is implemented across various healthcare systems. Systematic evaluation of barriers, facilitators, and patient outcomes will be vital in refining transition approaches and preventing young people from “falling through the cracks,” a phrase poignantly used to describe gaps in care that jeopardize long-term health. This commitment signals a dynamic, evidence-informed approach to care improvement that responds to emerging challenges and evolving patient needs.
The Joint Clinical Practice Guidance is freely accessible online, reflecting the societies’ dedication to transparency and wide dissemination. To complement the clinical recommendations, supporting educational materials are being developed for both healthcare providers and patient communities. These resources seek to enhance understanding and engagement, thereby amplifying the guidance’s practical utility and fostering sustained improvements in transitional care.
By bridging the divide between paediatric and adult endocrinology with a harmonized and patient-centric framework, this joint guidance signifies a major advancement in addressing the lifecycle management of endocrine disorders. It not only addresses clinical safety and efficacy but also recognizes the psychosocial and educational dimensions critical to fostering independence and adherence among adolescents and young adults. This milestone sets the stage for transforming endocrine transition care into a model of multidisciplinary collaboration and excellence.
The publication of this guidance in leading journals—European Journal of Endocrinology and Hormone Research in Paediatrics—extends its reach to researchers, clinicians, and policymakers alike. It advocates a unified voice from both paediatric and adult endocrine communities, underscoring the shared responsibility and collaboration necessary to optimize health outcomes for young patients worldwide.
With the current healthcare landscape increasingly emphasizing patient-centered care and continuity, the strategies laid out in this guidance resonate beyond the endocrine field. They contribute to a broader paradigm aimed at improving transitional care models for chronic illnesses, highlighting the importance of integrating clinical expertise, patient engagement, and systemic collaboration to enhance health trajectories during critical developmental phases.
Subject of Research: Healthcare transition from paediatric to adult endocrine care
Article Title: Joint Clinical Practice Guidance by ESE and ESPE on Healthcare Transition from Paediatric to Adult Endocrine Care
News Publication Date: Not specified
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvag020
References: Published jointly in the European Journal of Endocrinology and Hormone Research in Paediatrics
Image Credits: European Society of Endocrinology
Keywords: Endocrine transition, paediatric to adult care, multidisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered care, endocrine disorders, clinical practice guidance, healthcare continuity, adolescent health, chronic endocrinopathies, hypopituitarism, diabetes, growth disorders
