Transition 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.

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?

We are excited to be launching the randomised controlled trial of Transition Compass.

Recruitment for the study will begin soon - 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

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