The transition from paediatric to adult diabetes services: what works, for whom and in what circumstances?

Background The importance of getting the transition from paediatric to adult diabetes services right for young people is increasingly acknowledged but research evidence to inform the design of services is weak. Aims This study aimed to: ? identify, map, categorise and enumerate the range of diabetes transition models in use in England, ? develop a conceptual framework of models, building on National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation programme research on continuity of care, ? undertake in-depth evaluation of a purposive sample of models to develop an understanding of users'/carers'/providers' experiences of, and preferences for, transition services, the processes and organisational challenges involved and assess costs, ? make recommendations about what works best to promote 'a smooth transition', for whom and in what circumstances, ? contribute to understanding of pathways through transition and develop further theories of continuity of care.