The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare presents unique challenges for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). A suboptimal transition can have significant negative consequences. The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), designed to evaluate AYAs’ preparedness for this shift, has been translated into French (TRAQ-FR). This study examines the psychometric properties of the TRAQ-FR, compares scores between AYAs and their caregivers, and identifies factors contributing to transition readiness.
Validating the TRAQ-FR in a Canadian Context
This study involved 175 French-speaking AYA patients and 168 primary caregivers from five clinics within a Canadian tertiary hospital. Participants completed the TRAQ-FR, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were employed to assess the validity of the TRAQ-FR.
Agreement and Discrepancies in Transition Readiness Scores
Researchers used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and paired-sample t-tests to evaluate agreement and discrepancies between AYA and caregiver TRAQ-FR scores. Results indicated good absolute agreement on the global TRAQ-FR scale (ICC = .80), although AYAs scored slightly higher than their caregivers (d = .25). This difference highlights the importance of including both perspectives in the transition planning process. A Transition Of Care Tool like the TRAQ-FR facilitates open communication and shared decision-making.
Key Factors Influencing Transition Readiness
Regression analyses revealed significant contributors to transition readiness. Older AYAs demonstrated higher readiness scores, suggesting increasing maturity and self-management skills. Sex also played a role, although further research is needed to explore the specific nuances of this finding. Understanding these contributing factors can inform targeted interventions to improve transition of care. Tools like the TRAQ-FR can identify areas where support is needed.
Five-Factor Model and Internal Consistency of TRAQ-FR
The study confirmed the five-factor structure of the original TRAQ in the French-language version. Both AYA and caregiver scores on the TRAQ-FR global scale exhibited good internal consistency (α = .85-.87), supporting the reliability of the transition of care tool. This consistency indicates that the TRAQ-FR effectively measures the underlying construct of transition readiness.
Future Directions for TRAQ-FR Research and Implementation
The TRAQ-FR demonstrates strong psychometric properties when completed by both AYAs and caregivers. However, further research is needed to investigate the predictive validity of the TRAQ-FR and its practical application in clinical settings. Exploring the long-term impact of using the TRAQ-FR to guide transition planning is crucial. This includes assessing its effectiveness in improving health outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions. The TRAQ-FR holds promise as a valuable tool to facilitate successful transitions of care for AYAs.
