16 May 2026
Guideline: Transition from Paediatric to Adult Endocrine Care
This joint guidance from the European Society for Endocrinology (ESE) and European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) explains how to support young people with hormone (endocrine) conditions as they move from children’s services to adult healthcare.
The move to adult care is a very important time, usually between the ages of about 12 and 25. Many young people stop attending appointments during this period, which can harm their long-term health.
The guidance says that transition should not be a sudden change, but a planned, gradual process. It should begin early in the teenage years and continue into young adulthood.
Key messages include:
- Put young people at the centre. They should be helped to understand their condition and take increasing responsibility for their care.
- Support independence. Over time, parents step back while still offering support when needed.
- Plan ahead. A clear transition plan, including medical history and future appointments, helps prevent gaps in care.
- Work as a team. Doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and family members should all work together. A named “transition coordinator” can help organise care and keep everything on track.
- Look after wellbeing. Emotional and mental health support is important, as this stage of life can be challenging.
- Avoid missed appointments. Services should help young people stay engaged with care, especially during the transfer to adult clinics.
Overall, the guidance highlights that good transition care improves confidence, independence, and health outcomes. With the right support, young people are more likely to stay in care and manage their condition successfully into adulthood.
Enora Le Roux, Kirstine Stochholm, Martin Fassnacht, et al, European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) joint clinical practice guidance for healthcare transition from paediatric to adult endocrine care, European Journal of Endocrinology, Volume 194, Issue 2, February 2026, Pages G1–G10
Free access to the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvag020
Summary written with the help of Copilot AI
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