Arts-based interventions to promote transition outcomes for young people with long-term conditions: A review.

Objectives To conduct a systematic review of arts-based interventions promoting transition from paediatric to adult services for young people (Note: The term young people refers to adolescents and young adults.) with long-term conditions and to explore their effectiveness. Interventions Arts-based interventions included studies of young people who were actively participating in the intervention rather than passive observers. Visual arts interventions included film/video production, time-based media, photography, animation, sculpture, audio, installation, sound recordings, painting, textiles, print, mixed media, multimedia. Arts-based interventions included creative writing, poetry, dance, choreography and storytelling. Main outcome measures We included all outcome measures relevant to transition and any chronic condition. These included: self-care knowledge and skills, autonomy, continuity of care, adherence to treatment and attendance at appointments. Results Seven studies reported arts-based interventions promoting outcomes that are relevant to transition. These studies showed that arts-based interventions may influence young people with long-term conditions self-esteem, confidence and self-expression. The findings must be treated with caution as the evidence was weak with studies using qualitative measures and of poor methodological quality. Conclusions There is a need for further research of arts-based interventions for children and adolescents with long-term conditions that incorporate objective measurements or validated tools to assess outcomes relevant to the transition process.