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Transition From Pediatric to Adult Care in Epilepsy

NCT07592676 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 64

Last updated 2026-05-18

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services for individuals with epilepsy represents a major clinical and organizational challenge. This complexity arises from the heterogeneity of the underlying epileptic disorders and the frequent presence of multiple comorbidities. Furthermore, the process entails a profound shift in the patient-physician relationship, which must be re-established to allow open discussion of sensitive issues and to adapt to a different model of care.

In pediatric settings, medical care is predominantly family-centered, with parents actively involved in the decision-making process. In contrast, adult care is primarily patient-centered, emphasizing individual autonomy and self-management. The \*\*transition\*\* therefore constitutes a structured process designed to prepare adolescents and young adults for adult-oriented healthcare. It aims to enhance their understanding of epilepsy, increase awareness of available treatments, and develop self-management skills that help minimize the long-term psychosocial and medical impact of the disorder.

The \*\*transfer\*\*, by contrast, refers to the formal handover of medical responsibility from pediatric to adult healthcare providers. While transfer is an event, transition represents a multidimensional process that should begin well before the actual shift of care.

Over the past decade, several studies have sought to address the challenges associated with this critical phase by proposing transitional programs based on different organizational models. These structured interventions are designed to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult services, fostering continuity of care and improving clinical outcomes.

A recent and promising example is a \*\*French transitional model\*\*, published following a retrospective study involving 70 persons with epilepsy (PWE). This model provided evidence supporting the feasibility and benefits of a dedicated, multidisciplinary transition program tailored to the specific needs of young individuals with epilepsy.

In contrast, within the Italian scientific and clinical context-particularly in the field of epilepsy-no formally structured or validated transition program has yet been established. This gap underscores the need for the development of standardized national guidelines and the implementation of evidence-based transitional pathways.

A well-designed transition program can significantly facilitate the adjustment of adolescents to adult neurological care, promoting therapeutic adherence, clinical stability, and psychosocial well-being. Ultimately, structured transitional care represents a crucial step toward ensuring continuity, safety, and quality of care for individuals with epilepsy as they move from pediatric to adult health services.

Conditions

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

EpiTRAQ

Clinical and neuropsychological evaluations with standardised and internationally validated questionnaires and interviews, already used in clinical practice.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Domenica Immacolata Battaglia · Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

Eligibility

Min Age
15 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-11-19
Primary Completion
2028-12-01
Completion
2030-12-01

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07592676 on ClinicalTrials.gov