Background: Due to better care and increased treatment options, more children with chronic diseases survive and reach adulthood, which places higher demands on the healthcare system to ensure a safe transition from child to adult healthcare. The transition is a complex process, especially considering that the young people are simultaneously undergoing a natural transition to adulthood that includes physical, social and cognitive development. There are significant differences between child and adult healthcare. Children's healthcare is family-oriented unlike adult healthcare, which is patient-oriented and anticipates that young adults are independent and take more responsibility for their health.

Aim: The aim is to describe experiences of young adults during the transition process from child to adult healthcare.

Method: A literature review based on 13 qualitative articles. The results were analyzed according to Friberg’s five-step model.

Results: After compiling the results, four themes and ten subthemes were identified. Many young adults felt that the healthcare system had not met their needs for preparation, knowledge and support for independence. They expressed a need for more support for participation and independence, early preparation and participation, individually adapted knowledge about the transition process, their illness, treatment and self-care. Being offered the opportunity to meet others with their own experience of transition was highly valued.

Conclusion: The transition is a vulnerable time for young adults. The nurse is a key person who can facilitate the transition process through early preparation, adapted information and planning of appropriate support.