Transition to Adulthood through Coaching and Empowerment in Rheumatology (TRACER): A feasibility study protocol.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is a critical period for youth with chronic conditions, posing risks of care disengagement and disease complications.
• This transition coincides with significant life changes, including vocational, social, and physiological shifts, impacting patient well-being.
• Youth with rheumatic diseases face unique challenges during this vulnerable phase of healthcare transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a multi-center, randomized-controlled trial for a virtual Transition Coach Intervention.
• To assess the protocol's feasibility, including recruitment, consent, coaching session completion, and data completeness.
• To inform the design of a larger study investigating the intervention's impact on physical, mental, and social well-being.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center, randomized-controlled trial design is being used.
• Participants are recruited from pediatric rheumatology clinics in Ontario, Canada.
• The intervention group receives eight virtual coaching sessions focused on health management, future planning, and self-advocacy, compared to standard care.

Main Results:

• Recruitment is underway, with an estimated duration of 19 months.
• Primary outcomes focus on demonstrating protocol feasibility: optimal recruitment and consent rates.
• Key feasibility metrics include ≥90% coaching session completion and ≤5% missing data.

Conclusions:

• The TRACER study is designed to establish the feasibility of a virtual Transition Coach Intervention for youth with rheumatic diseases.
• Successful feasibility will support a larger randomized-controlled trial to determine the intervention's effectiveness.
• This research aims to improve the transition process and support the holistic well-being of young adults with rheumatic conditions.