Research project Stepstones-Implement is expanding internationally
Markus Saarijärvi presents the research project Stepstones in Cape Town, South Africa.
Welcome back, postdoc Markus Saarijärvi, who just has returned from a research stay in Cape Town, South Africa. The purpose of the trip was to examine the conditions for adapting and implementing the Stepstone transition programme for young people with chronic conditions at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital.
Potential collaborators. Alexia Joachim, Clinical Research Nurse at University of Cape Town; Zakira Mukuddem-Sablay, Pediatrician at Red Cross Children’s Hospital; and Hope Edwards, Clinical Research Nurse at University of Cape Town.
Markus tells about his journey:
During our week, we have met representatives from several different clinics working with young people in this phase of life, including cardiology and endocrinology. We had the opportunity to share experiences regarding the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare for young people with chronic conditions. What is striking is that even though our countries and healthcare systems are so different, the challenges are very similar when it comes to our focus area.
The next step in the project is to carry out a qualitative study that will examine the problem from different perspectives, and then proceed with adapting and introducing the programme.