Feasibility of the TransitionED Framework for Youth and Young Adults With Eating Disorders

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age16+
SponsorMcMaster University

About this trial

Moving from pediatric (children's) health care to adult health care can be challenging for youth and young adults with eating disorders. Many young people and families report feeling unprepared, unsure of what to expect, and worried about losing support during this time. Gaps in care during this transition can increase stress and make recovery more difficult.

This study is testing a structured transition support program called the TransitionED framework. The goal is to see whether this program can be successfully used in real hospital settings and whether youth, caregivers, and clinicians find it helpful.

The TransitionED framework is designed to help youth and families prepare for the move to adult care. It includes:

1. A transition planning package for youth 2. A separate planning package for caregivers 3. At least two guided transition meetings with a clinician 4. A short "Personal Transition Profile" written by the youth to help new adult providers understand them better 5. Optional virtual peer support sessions for youth and for caregivers 6. Tools to help pediatric and adult providers communicate more clearly

Youth who are 16 years or older and currently receiving care in a participating pediatric eating disorder program may be invited to join, along with one caregiver. Clinicians and program leaders will also take part to help deliver and evaluate the program.

Participants will complete surveys at the beginning of the study, about two months later, and six months after finishing the program. Some participants will also take part in interviews to share their experiences.

This study is focused on feasibility. That means the main goal is to learn whether this transition program is practical, acceptable, and workable in everyday clinical care. What we learn will help improve transition support for youth and young adults with eating disorders in the future.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Currently receiving paediatric eating disorder care at a participating study site.

Age 16 years or or older (approaching age-based transition to adult-care)

Expressed interest in transitioning to adult eating disorder care or other appropriate adult mental health services

Identified by the clinical team as appropriate to begin formal transition planning (e.g., sufficient transition readiness and interest in ongoing care)

Disqualifiers

Not receiving pediatric eating disorder care at a participating site.

Under age 16 years

Does not express interest in transitioning to adult eating disorder care or other appropriate adult mental health services.

Not identified by the clinical team as ready/appropriate to engage in formal transition planning during the study period (e.g., insufficient transition readiness or not currently at the transition-planning stage).

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • TransitionED Healthcare Transition Framework

Treatment groups

60 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment group

Sponsors and collaborators

McMaster University

Lead sponsor

University of Calgary

Collaborator

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

McMaster Children's Hospital

Collaborator