Implementing a Multimodal RCT Intervention to Improve the Transition of Patients With Crohn's Disease From Pediatric to Adult Care
This research is testing a new support programme for teenagers (aged 16-17.5) with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These young people are moving from children's healthcare to adult services. This can be a big change, and the study wants to find the best way to help them through it. The programme includes individual support, a 'transition helper', online skill-building sessions, and online learning. Researchers want to see if this new approach helps young people manage their condition better, feel more ready for adult care, and improves their mental health. The results will help create better support for others in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When young people with long-term health conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis grow up, they need to move from seeing children's doctors and nurses to adult healthcare. This change, called 'transition', can sometimes be tricky and stressful. This study is looking at a new, special support programme designed to make this move much easier and better for them.
The research wants to see if this new program helps young people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis to feel more prepared for adult care, manage their condition effectively, and generally improve their health and happiness during this big life change. It's important because right now, there isn't a proven way to help all young people with IBD make this transition smoothly. This study aims to find one.
The programme has a few key parts: personalised help, a dedicated 'transition helper' to guide them, online sessions to build important life skills like confidence and managing their health, and online lessons about their condition. By testing this carefully, researchers hope to create a successful model that can be used widely to support more young people with IBD in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to improve the move from children's to adult healthcare for teens with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.
- It tests a new online support program with personalised help and skill-building.
- The goal is to help young people manage their condition better and feel ready for adult care.
- Participation involves online activities and questionnaires.
- It could offer valuable support during a big life change.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be between 16 and 17 and a half years old. You must have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis using the usual medical tests.
You also need to be able to speak and read English well enough to understand the study materials. It's important that you plan to continue living in Canada after you move to adult healthcare, and you'll need access to a smartphone or computer to take part in the online parts of the programme.
If you don't speak English fluently or if you plan to move out of Canada after finishing high school, then unfortunately, this study isn't suitable for you.
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.
- Am I aged between 16 and 17 and a half years old?
- Do I have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
- Can I speak and read English well enough to understand study information?
- Do I plan to stay in Canada after moving to adult care?
- Do I have access to a smartphone or computer for online sessions?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be part of a group of young people who will either receive the new support programme or continue with the usual care provided by your current doctors. The new programme involves four main parts: an individual assessment, support from a 'transition navigator' (a helper who guides you), online sessions to build your skills, and online educational lessons about your condition. All these parts will be done virtually, meaning you can access them using a smartphone or computer.
The researchers will measure how you are doing, for example, by asking you to complete questionnaires about how your condition affects your daily life, how ready you feel for adult care, and your feelings of anxiety or low mood. They will also look at how often you use health services. The study duration isn't specified, but it will follow your progress through the transition period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- BC Children's HospitalVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern OntarioVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
Common questions
What is 'transition' in healthcare?
It's the process of moving from seeing children's doctors and nurses to adult healthcare services when you grow up.
What types of IBD are included in this study?
The study focuses on young people diagnosed with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Will I have to go to hospital for the new programme?
No, the new support programme is designed to be fully online, using a smartphone or computer.
What is a 'transition navigator'?
This is a person who will help guide you through the process of moving to adult care, offering support and advice.
Who is running this study?
This study is being run by researchers in Canada at several children's hospitals.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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