TRANSITION
Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Transition from Paediatric to Adult Healthcare for Young People with Disabilities in Ireland
Transition from paediatric to adult healthcare services is a critical period for young people with disabilities, yet research shows that transition pathways are often inconsistent and poorly coordinated. Many young people and their families report fragmented services, limited preparation for adult care, and uncertainty regarding roles and responsibilities among healthcare providers.
This project aims to understand how transition currently operates across healthcare disciplines in Ireland and to identify opportunities for improvement. The research builds on findings from the Ignition (CP-Life) study, which highlighted significant gaps in transition experiences for young people with Cerebral Palsy including the absence of coordinated planning and the reliance on parental advocacy.
Using a mixed-methods approach , the study will first examine current transition practices through a survey of healthcare professionals. It will then explore discipline-specific perspectives through focus groups with general practitioners, paediatric clinicians, and adult healthcare providers. Finally, a participatory co-design workshop involving clinicians, young people, and parents will develop practical solutions to strengthen transition pathways.
Findings from this research will support the development of evidence-informed tools and recommendations to support more coordinated, patient-centred transition processes for young people with disabilities in Ireland.
Research Team & Collaborators
Professor Denise McDonald, School of Medicine TCD, Consultant Paediatrician at CHI Tallaght
Dr Alwyn Charles, Clinical Research Fellow CHI Tallaght
Associate Professor Michelle Spirtos, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine TCD
Dr Jennifer Fortune Senior Research Fellow RCSI, Research Programme Lead, CP-Life Research Centre
Dr Aoife Mahony, Consultant Paediatrician CHI Tallaght and Enable Ireland