Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

This study looks at a new programme called TransitionED, designed to help young people with eating disorders move from children's to adult healthcare. Moving care can be a big change, and many young people and their families feel worried or uncertain. This programme offers tools, meetings, and support to make this move easier and ensure care continues without a break. Researchers want to find out if the TransitionED programme can be used successfully in real hospital settings and if young people, their families, and healthcare professionals find it useful. Understanding this will help improve support for others in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2028

Eating Disorders in Adolescence Transition of Care

What is this study about?

Moving from children's healthcare to adult healthcare can be a particularly tricky time for young people living with eating disorders. Many young people and their families tell us they feel unprepared, aren't sure what to expect, and worry about losing the support they've built up. When this move isn't well-managed, it can cause stress, make recovery harder, and even disrupt ongoing treatment.

This study is testing a new organised support programme called the TransitionED framework. Think of it as a set of tools and guidance specifically created to help young people and their families prepare for this important change. It includes things like special planning guides for young people and their carers, meetings with doctors to discuss the move, and a short 'Personal Transition Profile' written by the young person. This profile helps their new adult doctors get to know them better and understand their care needs. The programme also offers optional online group chats for young people and families to share experiences, and tools to help children's and adult doctors talk to each other more clearly.

The main goal of this study is to see if this TransitionED programme is practical and helpful in real hospital settings. The researchers want to know if it can be successfully put into practice every day and if young people, their families, and the doctors and nurses find it acceptable and useful. This is called a 'feasibility' study, meaning we're checking if it 'works' in practice, not whether it cures the eating disorder. The information we gather will be used to make this process much better for young people with eating disorders in the future.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a new support programme called TransitionED.
It aims to make moving from children's to adult healthcare easier for young people with eating disorders.
Participants include young people (16+), caregivers, and healthcare staff.
The study checks if the programme is practical and helpful for everyone involved.
Your involvement could improve future care for other young people.
Participation involves using the programme and completing surveys over several months.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 16 years old or older and are currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder at one of the hospitals taking part in the study. You should also be thinking about moving to adult eating disorder care soon and be interested in getting help with this transition.

One of your family members or main carers can also join the study with you. They will need to be willing to take part in surveys and interviews alongside you. Your doctors and nurses involved in your care will also be part of the study, helping to deliver the programme and share their thoughts.

You wouldn't be able to join the study if you are under 16, or if your doctors feel it's not the right time for you to start formal transition planning. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Are you currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder at a participating hospital?
Are you or your doctors planning your move to adult care soon?
Is one of your parents or caregivers willing to take part with you?
Are you able and willing to complete questionnaires and possibly an interview?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, along with one of your caregivers, you would typically be asked to:

* Take part in the TransitionED programme, which includes using planning guides, having at least two guided meetings with a doctor, and writing a 'Personal Transition Profile'. * Complete some surveys at the very beginning of the study. * Complete similar surveys again about two months later. * Complete another set of surveys six months after you've finished the programme. * Some participants will also be invited to have a chat (an interview) to share their experiences in more detail. This helps the researchers understand what worked well and what could be improved.

There is no specific medication involved in this study. The total time you would be actively involved with surveys and meetings would span about six to eight months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as receiving structured support during a challenging time and helping to make the move to adult care smoother for yourself. Your experiences could also significantly help improve how future generations of young people with eating disorders transition their care. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as the time commitment required for surveys and interviews, or potentially feeling uncomfortable discussing your experiences. However, your privacy will be protected, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (2)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
McMaster University
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is 'TransitionED'?

It's a new programme designed to help young people with eating disorders move from children's to adult healthcare in a smooth and supported way.

Who can join this study?

Young people aged 16 or older with an eating disorder who are moving to adult care, along with one parent or caregiver.

What will I have to do?

You'll use the TransitionED programme, complete a few surveys over several months, and some may have an interview to share their experiences.

Will this study cure my eating disorder?

No, this study isn't testing a cure. It's about finding the best way to support your move between healthcare services so your recovery journey isn't disrupted.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Jennifer Couturier, MD, MSc

coutur@mcmaster.ca 905-521-2100 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.