XClose

Clinical Operational Research Unit

Menu

OPTICAL Study Background

​​Some children admitted to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) with chronic conditions and complex needs are later admitted to adult ICUs (AICUs). OPTICAL will gather data to inform how we can improve the quality, safety and experience of medical care for these teenagers and young adults when they are admitted to AICUs. ​ 

What does the study involve? 

Data will be collected by four methods to better understand the experiences of teenage and young adult (TYA) patients, carers and health professionals during the transition, including barriers they face, examples of good practice and suggestions for improving the support provided.  

  1. We will be analysing pre-existing data on patients who were admitted to intensive care between 14 and 21 years of age (national and audit data) to determine the clinical characteristics of the patients who use intensive care as a child and how this relates to intensive care use after the age of 16 years. 

  2. We will be collecting qualitative data on patient experiences through interviews with patients, families, and health professionals. 

  3. We will be collecting data on patient experiences through surveys for patients, families, and health professionals. 

  4. We will be working with national charities to develop online forums to gather patient and family perspectives. 

Following data collection and analysis, workshops will be run with an expert group to establish evidence-based potential improvements in the processes and support for transitioning to adult ICU services.