Table 1 Characteristics of qualitative studies

Dimitropoulos et al. [17]

To understand factors that affect transitions from PEDPs to AEDPs in young people with AN

Eating Disorders Program, Toronto General Hospital, Canada

Providers

(n = 18 +)

In-depth, semi-structured focus groups (2 h. × 2); in-depth, semi-structured interviews (1 h. × 5)

Grounded theory; triangulation

Barriers: illness-related factors, developmental interruption, and decline in parental involvement with related service withdrawal

Dimitropoulos et al. [38]

To understand factors that influence effective transitions from PEDPs to AEDPs for AN

Eating Disorders Program, Toronto General Hospital, Canada

Providers

(n = 23)

In-depth, semi-structured focus groups (2 h. × 2); in-depth, semi-structured interviews (1 h. × 5)

Grounded theory; triangulation

Factors: readiness (not age), transition-specific interventions for patients and families, and coordinated medical follow up

Dimitropoulos et al. [39]

To identify barriers and facilitators to transitioning from PEDPs to AEDPs in young adults with EDs

Eating Disorders Program, Toronto General Hospital, Canada

Patients

(n = 15)

In-depth, structured interviews (1 h.)

Grounded theory; triangulation

Barriers: inconsistent transition procedures and systemic barriers to recovery after transitioning to AEDPs; facilitators: better coordination, communication, and collaboration

Lockertsen et al. [40]

To explore how providers experience the transition from CAMHS to AMHS for patients with AN

South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Norway

Providers (n = 8)

Dialectic, multi-step focus group (1.5 h. × 1); in-depth, semi-structured interviews (1.5 h. × 2)

Malterud’s systematic text condensation

Barriers: different treatment cultures, mistrust between services, clinician insecurity, and lack of transfer alliance

Lockertsen et al. [42]

To understand how patients with AN experience the transition from CAMHS to AMHS

South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Norway

Patients

(n = 10)

Dialectic, multi-step focus group (1–1.5 h. × 1); in-depth, semi-structured interviews (1–1.5 h. × 5)

Giorgi’s systematic text condensation

Experiences: lack of preparation and related loneliness, not treated uniquely, time to build provider trust, and provider interactions

Lockertsen et al. [43]

To explore how parents experience the transition from CAMHS to AMHS for children with AN

South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Norway

Parents

(n = 12)

In-depth, semi-structured interviews (1–1.5 h.)

Giorgi’s systematic text condensation

Barriers: sudden discharge, lack of continuity of care, poor involvement in process, and overwhelming responsibility; facilitators: provider knowledge and professional support

Mooney et al. [46]

To assess the value of educational resources to support young people with AN in transitioning from CAMHS to AMHS

Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, Canada

Patients(n = 6)

In-depth, semi-structured interviews (30 min.)

 Thematic analysis

Findings: educational resources as benchmarks for evaluating ED status and tools for connecting with new providers in AMHS

Nadarajah et al. [44]

To identify barriers and facilitators to impending transitions from CAMHS to AMHS for adolescents with EDs

McMaster Children’s Hospital, Canada

Patients, caregivers (n = 10)

In-depth, semi-structured interviews (0.5–1 h.)

Summative content analysis

Barriers: re-explaining/re-sharing information, lack of professional support, and late discussions; facilitators: parental involvement and transition coordinators or passport

Scanferla et al. [47]

To capture shared transition experiences from PEDPs to AEDPs among young people with AN and their families

Paris Psychiatry and Neuroscience University Hospital Group, France

Patients, caregivers (n = 18)

In-depth, semi-structured interviews

Interpretive phenomenological analysis

Barriers: delayed access to care, adverse effects, and lack of provider support; facilitators: supporting personal life goals and involving caregivers in the transition process

Wales et al. [45]

To understand the transition from CAMHS to AMHS for EDs; and to identify factors that influence this process

National Health Services, England

Patients, caregivers,

providers

(n = 33)

In-depth focus groups (1 h. × 4); in-depth, semi-structured interviews (50 min × 11)

Thematic analysis

Factors: communication, service differences, and transition timing; improved communication, clear expectations, and flexibility may enhance transitions