Reducing hazards associated in the transition of young people with long-term conditions into adult services evaluation

• Evaluation of the Reducing hazards associated in the transition of young people with long term conditions into adult services project.
• Main aim of the evaluation is to assess whether the use of SDM/ SMS approaches with long term condition transition (16-24yr guide age range) service individuals promote autonomy, increase personal perception of decision making quality in these young people and improve organisational safety Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for this group, for example emergency admissions and adverse events.
• Led by Sue Hinder, RaFT Research and Consulting.

A mixed methods approach methodology will be utilised on the project allowing quantitative and qualitative assessment of outcomes.

Quantitative Evaluation 

• SURE scores: the SURE (Legare et al 2008) questionnaire will be used which is an internationally robust validated tool for measuring decisional conflict, this will be gathered from the transition groups through opportunity completion within clinic settings by healthcare professionals within the clinical pathways identified by the NHS organisations taking part in the programme. 
• Key Performance Indicators pertinent to safety areas within organisations e.g. length of stay, emergency admissions, attendance rates at appointments, adherence to treatment figures. 

Qualitative Evaluation 

• The SDM and SMS training will be evaluated using the Kirkpatrick Four Levels of Evaluation for training programmes.
• Qualitative interviews will be undertaken with approximately 40 service users, 10 from each of the four clinical teams. The interviews will be semi-structured with the interview guide developed in collaboration with the service user and carer representatives to ensure that questions are relevant.
• At least 10 interviews with service users (and carers if the service user wishes) receiving treatment from each clinical team will be carried out.

Contact details

For more information about this project, please contact Nicola Power, Research Manager at the Health Foundation, and Sue Hinder, RaFT Research and Consulting.