Project Title

Health transitions and young adults with complex learning disabilities

Research Focus

The transition from child to adult health services for young adults with complex learning disabilities and their families and the contributions from Registered Nurses

Funder & Dates

Burdett Trust for Nursing, 2016-2020

Principal Investigator or Primary Supervisor (if PhD project) 

Professor Michael Brown (PI)

Co-Investigators or additional supervisors

Dr Juliet MacArthur, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh

Dr Maria Truesdale, University of Glasgow

Dr Zoe Chouliara, Abertay University

Mrs Anna Higgin, Edinburgh Napier University

Name & Institution of Collaborators 

Mrs Jenny Miller, Chief Executive, PAMIS, Dundee

Description of Project:

Aim; Methods; Expected Outcomes

The aim of the study was to identify the contributions made by Registered Nurses before, during and after the transition from child to adults health services for young adults with complex learning disabilities and their families. 

A three-phase qualitative design was used involving all health service areas across Scotland. Phase 1 involved a systematic review of the international research evidence of the contributions made by Registered Nurses during the transition from child to adult health services. Phase 2 involved families of young adults with complex learning disabilities who had recently gone through the transition from child to adults health services and Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in the care and support of the young adults with complex learning disabilities. Phase 3 involved developing and piloting a learning resource to enhance the knowledge of Registered Nurses of the needs of young adults with complex learning disabilities at the point of transition from child to adult health services.

This Scotland-wide study is the first to identify the contributions made by Registered Nurses during the transition from child to adult health services for young adults with complex learning disabilities and their families. From the evidence, it is clear that there is a need for significant improvements across education, health and social care services to improve the experiences and outcomes achieved. This is necessary to ensure that young adults with complex learning disabilities are prepared for and supported throughout all aspects of the transition process.