Background: Despite a growing number of studies on transition to adulthood in adolescents, literature is scarce on qualitative, longitudinal studies of transitions in adolescents with severe chronic diseases. The aim is to study transition in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, congenital heart diseases and chronic kidney diseases. We specifically focus on the adolescents’ experiences, 'what is important to them', 'what characterises their interaction with health care staff' and 'the communication between the adolescents and health care staff as perceived by the adolescents'.

Methods: This is a longitudinal ethnographic study running from 2012 to 2017. Adolescents are consecutively included at the age between 13 and 14, 8-10 participants in each group. The fieldwork is based on participant observation of
consultations between the adolescent and healthcare professionals and individual qualitative interview with the adolescent at outpatient clinics at Aarhus University Hospital. Follow-up is planned at 15 and 18 years of age. A
comparative approach is employed to show central characteristics across time, disease and gender.

Results: Results from analysis inspired by Ricoeur's phenomenological hermeneutics of first phase observations and interviews with the adolescents at 13-14 years will be presented and discussed at the conference.

Conclusion: We anticipate that this longitudinal study will create novel knowledge about the existential and interpersonal challenges of adolescents undergoing transition. These results will make health care staff aware and conscious of transition among adolescents and enable them to act accordingly.