Developing a Transition Tool for Young Adults With Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Area of Science:

• Healthcare transition research
• Adolescent and young adult health
• Neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC) management

Background:

• Transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is complex for young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC).
• Existing health, social, and disability systems face fragmentation and deficits.
• There is a growing need for guided transition services that promote health independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a holistic transition tool for young adults with NDC.
• To identify key areas for improving transition services.
• To achieve expert consensus in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Delphi method with two rounds of online questionnaires.
• Involved 61 panellists: healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers.
• Round One: open-ended questions; Round Two: Likert scale for consensus building.

Main Results:

• Seven themes identified for transition services (processes, resources, professionals, governance, culture).
• Ten themes identified for the transition tool (communication, healthcare, rights, support, community, family, culture, mental/spiritual health, sexual health).
• High consensus reached: 94% for service items and 100% for tool components, with strong consensus for many items.

Conclusions:

• Provides direction on essential domains for transition services and a framework for a transition tool.
• Highlights the importance of holistic domains: culture, mental/spiritual health, rights, family, and community connectedness.
• Represents a first step towards a comprehensive approach for successful transitions for young adults with NDC.