Measuring the transition readiness of youth with special healthcare needs: validation of the TRAQ--Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire

J Pediatr Psychol. 2011 Mar;36(2):160-71. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsp128. Epub 2009 Dec 29.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), a measure of readiness for transition from pediatric to adult healthcare for youth with special health care needs (YSHCN).

Methods: We administered TRAQ to 192 YSHCN aged 16-26 years in three primary diagnostic categories, conducted factor analysis, and assessed differences in TRAQ scores by age, gender, race, and primary diagnosis type.

Results: Factor analysis identified two TRAQ domains with high internal consistency: Skills for Self-Management and Skills for Self-Advocacy. Each domain had high internal consistency. In multivariate regression models, older age and a primary diagnosis of an activity limiting physical condition were associated with higher scores in Self-Management, and female gender and a primary diagnosis of an activity limiting physical condition were associated with higher scores in Self-Advocacy.

Conclusions: Our initial validation study suggests the TRAQ is a useful tool to assess transition readiness in YSHCN and to guide educational interventions by providers to support transition.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease / therapy*
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Health Services
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Patient Advocacy*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Care
  • Self Efficacy
  • Sex Factors