In England ~25% of children suffer from a chronic health condition by 16 years old. (1) These conditions often have enduring effects that extend into adulthood, thus, transitioning care from paediatric to adult services is crucial. (2) This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the transition process between paediatric and adult pelvic floor services.

This is a retrospective review of 28 patients, whose care was transitioned following surgery for colorectal disorders between November 2020 and 2024. 

We used the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) Young Person and Carer survey to assess the transition between child and adult pelvic floor services. (3) The study involved 12 females and 16 males, with an average age of 17.7 years (± 1.6). Nine participants had learning difficulties. The questionnaire included qualitative and quantitative elements focussing on patient and caregiver experience. Qualitative data were obtained through binary responses and open-ended feedback. Quantitative data included Likert scale responses analysed using basic statistical methods and non-parametric tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test.

Participants rated their involvement in transition planning at an average of 2.4 ±1.6, on a scale of 1 to 5. Fifteen patients felt prepared for transition citing reasons such as being ‘mature enough’ and ‘able to speak for themselves’. Thirteen patients felt unprepared with six having learning difficulties. Contributing factors in those ‘not ready’ included ‘cognitive delays’ and difficulty adapting to change due to learning difficulties. 46% of participants identified communication as an issue during transition. On average participants rated: communication in paediatric services at 4.2 ± 1.1 and communication in adult services 2.3 ± 1.4 (p<0.05). Furthermore, 57% of participants reported a lack of communication about outcomes such as education and mental health.

Communication is a significant issue within current services. We endeavour to improve this by involving relevant local services to ensure mental health and educational support. We propose the development of guidance to outline the transition process which should promote increased understanding of transition and provide a supported, age-appropriate service.

We recommend that transition processes within pelvic floor services be restructured to ensure the provision of a supportive, patient-centred experience.

Jay M, Herlitz L, Deighton J, Gilbert R, Blackburn R. Cumulative incidence of chronic health conditions recorded in hospital inpatient admissions from birth to age 16 in England. International Journal of Epidemiology [internet]. 2024 August 14 [cited 2025 March 23]; 53(5). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyae138
McDonagh J, Viner R. Lost in transition? Between paediatric and adult services. BMJ [internet]. 2006 February 25 [cited 2025 March 23]; 332(7539): 435-436. Available from: doi: 10.1136/bmj.332.7539.435
The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death. ‘The Inbetweeners’. London. 2023 [cited 2025 March 23]. Available from: https://www.ncepod.org.uk/2023transition.html

Continence 15S (2025) 102152
DOI: 10.1016/j.cont.2025.102152