“I Fell through the Cracks”: Navigating the Disjointed Transition from Paediatric to Adult Psychiatric Services

Abstract

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a tumultuous time riddled with stress, confusion, and uncertainty. An abrupt shift in biobehavioural development between the ages of 16 and 24 corresponds with an increase in mental health challenges; thereby necessitating comprehensive and coordinated psychiatric services that bridge pediatric and adult care realms. Unfortunately, this transition is often unsupportive and disjointed, leaving many transitional-aged youth (TAY) overwhelmed and ill-equipped to cope with the increased demands of adulthood independently. Eight TAY with mental health challenges were invited to participate in a PhotoVoice study that explored the strengths and shortcomings of this transition process, through a combination of photography and photo-elicitation focus group discussions. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to analyze all participant dialogue. Four themes emerged from the data: accessibility, coordination, independence, and support. Participant insights illuminated critical gaps in mental health care delivery, but also revealed novel solutions and opportunities for transformational change.

Disclosure statement

There are no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research under the Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s (CGS-M); and the Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario under the Research in Mental Health Nursing Award.