Transition Coaching in Rheumatology

Overview

The period leading up to and following transfer from pediatric to adult care for youth with rheumatic disease is a vulnerable time leaving youth at risk of poor self-efficacy (confidence in ability to manage all aspects of their health). Adult rheumatologists face barriers in providing the complex medical, developmental and socially supportive care required for this population. Youth have expressed preference for individualized coaching during this period which involves education and support around skills and confidence-building related to their disease. The investigators have completed a feasibility trial of a Transition Coach Intervention (TCI) to help youth with rheumatic diseases gain self-efficacy and better navigate transition to adult care. The investigators will now conduct a randomized-control trial (RCT) at six centres to demonstrate TCI efficacy.

Our primary aim is to determine the impact of a TCI on improving self-efficacy in managing medications and treatments in youth with chronic rheumatic diseases, compared to an attention control group. Our secondary aim is to explore whether a TCI improves other domains of the PROMIS Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease questionnaire (Daily Activities, Emotions, Medications, Social Interactions, and Symptoms), transition readiness and attendance at healthcare appointments in youth with chronic rheumatic diseases, compared to an attention control group.

Conditions