Helping children with complex medical needs transition to adult care

Promoting Intensive Transitions for Children and Youth With Medical Complexity From Pediatric to Adult Care

Not applicable Interventional The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT06093386

This study tests if extra support from a specialized team can help children with complex medical needs make a smoother transition to adult healthcare compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages210 Months to 213 Months
SexAll
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06093386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to improve the transition process for children and youth with medical complexity as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare. It compares intensive transition support provided by a specialized team, led by an advanced practice nurse, against usual care over a two-year period. Participants in the intervention group will receive assistance with care planning, funding, and connections to primary care and adult specialists. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this support in enhancing continuity of care and overall satisfaction for patients and their families.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 17 years 6 months to 17 years 9 months with complex medical conditions requiring high-intensity care.

Not a fit: Patients who are expected to die within two years or those without a stable primary caregiver may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the healthcare experience and outcomes for young adults with complex medical needs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving transitions for patients with complex needs, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 17 years 6 months- 17 years 9 months old (inclusive) who meet Ontario's CMC definition:

  1. technology dependence and/or users of high-intensity care,
  2. fragility (severe and/or life-threatening condition,
  3. chronicity (expected to last at least 6 months),
  4. complexity (involvement of ≥5 healthcare practitioners/teams and healthcare services in ≥ 3 locations such as home, school, hospital, etc.).

Exclusion Criteria:

* are expected to die within 2 years of recruitment (e.g., those receiving active end-of-life care)
* do not have a stable primary caregiver (e.g., those who reside in residential or long-term care facilities, and those in foster care as the intervention is focused on a patient-caregiver dyad)

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Children and Youth With Medical Complexitytransitioncomplex care
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.