The goal of this observational study is to assess the preparation of the caregiver and the patient for the transition, by comparing the results of the Transition Readiness Assessment (TRAQ) questionnaire at the time of the last pediatric neuropsychiatric visit, which is then repeated at the first adult epilepsy neurology visit. The assessments will be conducted at the last evaluation at the pediatric epilepsy service and repeated at the first visit to the adult epilepsy service.
Epilepsy is a common pediatric neurological condition, with an incidence of 5-7 cases per 10,000 children and adolescents. In many cases, epilepsy does not remit in adulthood, requiring a transition from pediatric to adult epilepsy care. This transition should ideally be a planned and coordinated process addressing the patient's medical, psychosocial, and educational needs. At the IRCCS C. Mondino Institute, around 700 pediatric epilepsy patients are followed, many with complex, genetically-based epilepsy and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Transition programs, though essential, are challenging to implement, as pediatric and adult services often operate independently. The transition period offers an opportunity for reassessment of care and the management of comorbidities, as well as counseling on aspects like education and independence. Psychiatric comorbidities can complicate the transition and negatively impact patients' quality of life. The Mondino Institute has developed a collaborative transition model involving both pediatric neuropsychiatrists and adult neurologists to address these challenges and better manage psychiatric comorbidities, ensuring a smoother transition to adult care. The primary objective is to improve the multidisciplinary care of patients with epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities, by implementing specific diagnostic and therapeutic evaluations for these comorbidities in patients transitioning from the pediatric and adolescent epilepsy center to the adult epilepsy service. Secondary objectives include: Defining the management pathway for psychiatric comorbidities in patients transitioning to adult epilepsy services, by identifying suitable structures and professionals for psychiatric and rehabilitative follow-up. Optimizing the selection of specific pharmacological therapies for medium- to long-term maintenance. In summary, the focus is on improving the care and treatment of epilepsy patients with psychiatric comorbidities, ensuring proper follow-up and therapeutic planning as they transition from pediatric to adult care.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
This proposal aims to create a coordinated and shared transition pathway between pediatric and adult epilepsy services, addressing the needs of patients with chronic conditions. The primary objective is to assess the readiness of both patients and their caregivers for the transition, by comparing the Transition Readiness Assessment (TRAQ) questionnaire results between the last pediatric neuropsychiatric visit and the first adult neurology visit. Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in emotional-behavioral issues and quality of life, using the CBCL, YSR, and PedsQoL questionnaires. Assessments will be conducted at both pediatric and adult epilepsy services. The ultimate goal of the transition protocol is to improve care and outcomes for adolescents and young adults during the transition, focusing on emotional-behavioral and psychosocial aspects, and to develop a best-practice model that could influence future guidelines.
Child Neuropsichiatry
Pavia, Italy
RECRUITINGreadiness for transition evaluated throughout Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ)
To evaluate the preparation of patients and caregivers for the transition process, the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) will be assessed, and scores will be compared across T0, T1, and T2. The TRAQ has a scale range from 0 to 5, where: 0 indicates insufficient readiness for transition; 5 indicates optimal readiness for transition. Higher scores indicate better preparation for the transition process, while lower scores suggest poorer readiness and a need for further support.
Time frame: 1 year
to measure the efficacy of the transition process from pediatric to adult care using Transition Success in Childhood and Adolescence (TSCA)
To assess the efficacy of the completed transition protocol, the Transition Success in Childhood and Adolescence (TSCA) will be administred. TSCA scores will be compared across T0, T1, and T2. TSCA questionnaire has a scale range from 0 to 100, where: 0 represents the lowest level of transition success (poorest outcome), 100 represents the highest level of transition success (best outcome). Higher scores indicate a better outcome, reflecting greater success in the transition process, while lower scores indicate a poorer outcome and a need for further support.
Time frame: 1 year
To assess quality of life among patients and their families using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)
To explore perceptions of quality of life among patients and their families, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)scores will be analyzed across T0, T1, and T2. PedsQL has a scale range from 0 to 100, where: - 0 indicates the poorest quality of life, - 100 indicates the best possible quality of life. Higher scores reflect a better perception of quality of life, while lower scores suggest a lower quality of life and may indicate areas for improvement.
Time frame: 1 year
Behavioral and emotional issues will be evaluated by comparing the results of the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (ABCL) and Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASR)
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Behavioral and emotional issues will be evaluated by comparing the results of the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (ABCL) and Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASR) between T0 and T2. ABCL is for children and adolescents (ages 1.5-18 years) and involves parent/caregiver reports. ASR is for adolescents (12-18) and adults (18+), and it can be used as a self-report or informant report tool. Scores for both measures typically range from 0 to 3. 0 indicates no problem, 3 indicates a severe problem. Higher scores indicate more significant behavioral or emotional issues, while lower scores suggest fewer or no problems.
Time frame: 1 year
To understand the factors influencing transition readiness and to identify potential barriers, the Transition NEEDS Questionnaire will be developed.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing transition readiness and to identify potential barriers, the Transition NEEDS Questionnaire will be developed. This semi-structured, qualitative interview for clinicians systematically assesses six critical domains: patient and family readiness, diagnostic gaps, therapeutic gaps, social/care support gaps, educational/work-related gaps, psychological/emotional gaps. This tool, grounded in clinical and theoretical literature, offers a systematic and practical method for evaluating the complex needs of patients transitioning from pediatric to adult epilepsy care.
Time frame: 1 year
To assess the qualitative aspects of the transition phase througout a qualitative scale
The TRANS-EPI Questionnaire focuses on qualitative aspects of the transition phase, exploring: timing and introduction to the transition process; evaluation of information proovided; expectations from adult neurology care; concerns about continuity of care and autonomy
Time frame: 1 year