Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Youth with eating disorders (EDs) often face treatment disruptions when transitioning from pediatric to adult care, increasing the risk of relapse and disengagement from mental health services. Despite tested interventions, none have proven feasible or effective. This study aimed to explore context-specific practices, needs, and insights regarding transitions in publicly funded pediatric ED programs in Canada. A qualitative multiple case study design was used. Complete sampling recruited 22 eligible programs, with clinicians and administrators participating in focus groups. Data sources included transition-related documents, a qualitative survey on program characteristics, and focus group discussions. Conventional content analysis guided data interpretation. Program-specific findings were analyzed within and across cases and consolidated into a narrative summary. Thirty-seven participants from eight programs completed the study. Most were female (92%) and included physicians (n=5, 14%) and social workers (n=15, 41%). While each site had unique transition practices, none followed explicit guidelines. Barriers included context-specific factors (e.g., age-based discharge requirements) and patient-related challenges (e.g., youth buy-in). Participants emphasized the importance of increased collaboration with adult ED services, family doctors, and mental health providers to motivate youth and families to engage in adult care. Transitions from pediatric to adult ED care in Ontario are inconsistent. Variations in transition preparation and success stem from contextual and structural barriers. These findings can inform tailored interventions to align with program needs, improve transition processes, and support positive health outcomes for youth with EDs.