{
  "abstract": "Background Transitioning from paediatric to adult palliative care remains a critical and vulnerable period for young people with life-shortening conditions in Scotland. Despite recommendations from ‘The Inbetweeners’ (National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death; 2023) and previous work by The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), the development of a robust transition pathway has been slow, leaving families at risk of physical and mental health decline and missing opportunities for meaningful conversations about end-of-life care.Aims This project aimed to identify gaps in the transition pathway and facilitate supported discussions around future care planning.Methods Referrals were accepted from a range of healthcare professionals, and transition visits were conducted in homes and hospitals to build trust and communication. Future care plans were documented, and service mapping data was analysed to highlight unmet needs.Results Over 12 months, 12 young adults were included in the joint transition caseload, all previously known to CHAS. Most (83%) had complex neurodisabilities with multiple co-morbidities. Referrals originated primarily from CHAS, with others from adult and paediatric hospital teams, learning disability nurses, and acute consultants. Only 33% were fully mapped to adult services; others remained under paediatric care due to complexity or faced delays in adult neurology referrals. At referral, 75% had existing future care plans, half of which included active resuscitation. However, 25% of families declined further discussions. Three deaths occurred – two expected and planned at home, one unexpected without a care plan.Conclusion Findings underscore the need for early identification and coordinated transition planning by all professionals involved in the care of young people with complex disabilities. Recognising these individuals as having palliative diagnoses enables access to hospice support and ensures that wellbeing, care gaps, and future planning are addressed proactively. All disciplines must engage in future care planning to safeguard this vulnerable population.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, Glasgow, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sheonad Laidlaw"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, Glasgow, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Fiona Wylie"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P-150 Mind the gap! The perilous process of transition in Scotland",
  "uid": "fda81d74-df46-58ef-b65c-c771e59d07b6"
}