Degree
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. Kathy Nixon Speechley
Abstract
Documenting the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare is important to guide the delivery of developmentally appropriate healthcare. The objectives of this research were to quantify the transition readiness of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with epilepsy in childhood, explore its association with individual and familial factors, and describe transfer/transition experiences for AYAs and parents. Families and physicians were followed for ten years as part of the Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study and provided report using questionnaires.
The distribution of transition readiness indicates much room for improvement. Age was the only factor significantly associated with transition readiness, however intriguing trends were observed for several factors. Transfer/transition experiences were not specific to epilepsy, with both negative and positive experiences represented. As the first of its kind, this research began to uncover factors influencing transition readiness and experiences and suggests potentially fruitful avenues for future research.
Recommended Citation
Dasiewicz, Alison S.B., "Transition from Paediatric to Adult Healthcare: Readiness and Experiences of Canadian Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Epilepsy in Childhood" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4446.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4446