One way to optimize transitional care, is by means of a transition clinic. Here, healthcare professionals from paediatric and adult services provide shared care at least once a year. International research of the outcomes of transition outpatient clinics for youth with diabetes shows better outcomes for young people who have attended a transition clinic compared to those who have not been treated in such an outpatient clinic. The improvement entails improved HbA1c values, increased self-monitoring, less no-show, less hospitalisation, and improved psychosocial outcomes.
In the Netherlands, ten diabetes care teams have established a transition clinic within the Action Programme On Your Own Feet Ahead! (2008-2012). Still, little is known about the yields of interventions in transitional care (such as a transition clinic) in comparison to the standard transfer.