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Abstract
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) solid organ transplant recipients experience worsening medical outcomes during transition and transfer to adult healthcare. The current study assessed pre- and post-transfer healthcare utilization and medical outcomes, as well as psychosocial functioning and independence in self-management using two different criteria for transition success among 49 AYA solid organ transplant (i.e., heart, kidney, liver) recipients recently transferred to adult healthcare. Successful retention in adult healthcare three years post-transfer was significantly related to more clinical outcomes, as compared to simply attending the first adult appointment within one year, with the current sample demonstrating significant declines in appointment attendance over time. Retention in adult healthcare was associated with greater time since transplant, lower pre-transfer anxiety, receiving a liver or heart transplant, and having private insurance. Findings underscore the importance of providing support for AYAs after transfer, attention to interventions aimed at maintaining or increasing attendance over time, and identification of risk factors and intervention for unsuccessful transition.