Young people with chronic health conditions: longitudinal study of psychosocial assessment and digital health service use across transfer of care

We aimed to evaluate psychosocial assessments and the use of digital health services across transfer of care among young people with chronic health conditions. The secondary aim was to measure changes in anxiety regarding care and self-reported condition impact and to compare these with psychosocial assessments. In this longitudinal study, ( n = 163) participants were recruited at the New Children’s Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (2017–2019), and followed for two years. Evaluation of psychosocial assessments was based on whether topics of the HEEADSSS assessment tool (a structured form for evaluating psychosocial history of young people in healthcare settings) were discussed with healthcare professionals. The use of digital health services was also assessed. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form (STAI) measured anxiety and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measured self-reported condition impact. Home, education, and activities were frequently discussed, whereas risky behavior, sexuality, substance use, and confidentiality were poorly addressed. The use of secure digital health services was low prior to transfer of care but increased two years after transfer of care. Participants mostly reported normal anxiety levels and moderate to low condition impact across transition. Gender, anxiety levels or condition impact showed no association with psychosocial assessment, nor were they associated with the use of digital health services. Psychosocial assessments seem suboptimal across transfer of care. Further research is required to develop both assessments and appropriate digital health services for young people. ClinicalTrials.org NCT04631965 date: 2020-10-21.