School of Clinical Medicine Behavioural Sciences Unit

Transition Compass

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Transition Compass logo version 2 (hands held over a compass)

Transition Compass aims to help young people move from paediatric to adult healthcare with more confidence and support. Watch this brief video to learn more about what Transition Compass involves, how the research study works, and how everybody who takes part is helping improve healthcare transition for other young people.

Transition Compass Coaches

Jess O’Hara, NSW

Jess O’Hara is a registered nurse with ten years of experience supporting young people through major life transitions. She has worked across haematology, intensive care, and primary health, including running a school-based health clinic. Jess takes a holistic, person-centred approach and is passionate about helping young people with chronic illness feel confident and supported. Outside work, she enjoys reading, trying new Mexican recipes, and getting creative at the pottery studio—with her very bossy cat by her side.

Renae Hogarth, SA

Renae Hogarth is a Nurse Consultant based in Adelaide with a background in psychology, rehabilitation counselling, nursing, and global health. Her experience ranges from remote emergency care to oncology and specialised blood services. Renae is committed to health equity and supporting young people to build confidence and self-advocacy as they move from paediatric to adult healthcare. When she’s not working, she’s spending time with her son, looking after her two cats and turtle, or planning her next adventure—whether camping, road-tripping, or travelling overseas.

Amanda Appathurai, VIC

Amanda Appathurai is a health researcher with more than ten years’ experience across Melbourne’s health services. Her work spans cancer care, early childhood development, aged care, and nutrition research, and she is passionate about turning research evidence into practical improvements for young people. Amanda brings curiosity, compassion, and a strong commitment to meaningful, real-world impact. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and her dog Murray, as well as baking, reading, and practising Pilates.
Chronic health conditions affect approximately 40% of Australian children. Thanks to advancements in care, the majority of children with chronic health conditions will survive into adulthood and will need support transitioning from paediatric to adult care. Over one million Australian children will have to navigate this transition over the next decade. Despite this, there are no overarching national guidelines for the transition of children across chronic health conditions, and limited evidence to support existing practice.
For many young people, it can be challenging to navigate the fragmented healthcare system, which siloes paediatric and adult care. This transition period is associated with increases in disease-related morbidity and mortality. A smooth and successful transition is critical for ensuring that young people do not disengage from the specialist care that they require, as this can lead to both negative health outcomes for the individual, as well as an unnecessary burden on family/caregivers and acute health services.

This study "Transition Compass", aims to improve the transition experience for future generations of children and families who are affected by a chronic health condition.


What does Transition Compass Involve?

Transition Compass is a digital health program designed to support young people with chronic illnesses as they move from paediatric to adult healthcare. Transition Compass combines tailored text messages reminders, short educational videos and personalised health coaching to help young people build the skills and confidence they need to manage their health independently.

 

What's next?

Recruitment for the randomised controlled trial of Transition Compass is currently underway.

If you are a young person preparing to transition to adult care, or a clinician supporting someone who is, we invite you to learn more and consider participating.

For more information

​If you are unsure about any aspects of the study, or would like to know more, you can contact the research team directly at transition@unsw.edu.au
The Transition Compass study includes investigators and collaborators from a wide variety of Australian institutions, including:
  • The Sydney Children's Hospital Network (SCHN)​
  • Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (RCH) 
  • The Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide (WCH)
  • The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
  • The University of Sydney (USYD)
  • The University of Adelaide
  • The University of Melbourne
  • The Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)​
  • The Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI)
  • Trapeze
  • Kids2Adult Alliance
  • Child UnLimited

  • Transition Compass is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information in accordance with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Information Governance Policy and Privacy Management Plan, the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and, if applicable, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).

    We collect personal information such as your name, contact details, and information you provide through the Transition Compass app, including survey responses and app activity in order to document and study your experience transitioning from paediatric to adult care (Purpose). Your identifiable information is only disclosed to and accessible by authorised staff and research personnel who require access for this Purpose. All data is de-identified before analysis and reporting. While the provision of this information is voluntary, if you do not provide this information, you will not be able to participate in Transition Compass.

    The Transition Compass app is delivered through the WeGuide platform. App data is securely stored on Australian-based servers located in Sydney and hosted on Amazon Web Services. Study data, including questionnaire responses, are separately stored in REDCap, a secure research data platform managed by UNSW.

    Transition Compass app data will be retained within the WeGuide platform only for the duration of the trial (approximately three years). After the trial concludes, this data will be securely transferred to UNSW and removed from the WeGuide platform. Research data held by UNSW, including data stored in REDCap, will be held for the period required by applicable laws.

    You can submit a request to access or amend any personal or health information you provide to Transition Compass by emailing transition@unsw.edu.au.

    To learn more, please visit: https://www.unsw.edu.au/privacy.