Bridging the Gap: Europe's Struggle to Move Kids to Adult Neurocare

A recent survey examined how healthcare providers manage moving children with brain disorders into adult care. The study gathered input from 328 participants through a 22-question online form. Two major medical societies created the questionnaire and distributed it between February and April 2025. The goal was to see what works well and where obstacles exist.

Most clinics provided some form of transition planning. Actually, 37.5 percent of respondents said their organization had such a program. Places with these plans saw younger ages for moving to adult care. The median age was 16 years. Some sites also held joint pediatric and adult doctor visits far more frequently. Only seven percent of all respondents felt completely satisfied with current practices.

Several major challenges slowed down improvements. Many hospitals lacked enough staff with skills in multiple fields. Access to adult neurologists remained limited. Finding those specialists proved difficult for families. Experts recommended several fixes. These included regular joint appointments, clear national guidelines, specialized care networks, and dedicated transition coordinators. Such steps could build stronger pathways for young patients.

Even though the team knew what should happen, many places still faced problems. The biggest roadblocks were weak teamwork, few adult neurologists, and trouble reaching those doctors. Only a tiny fraction of families reported full happiness. The researchers concluded that without strong, organized plans, young people will encounter confusing gaps during their care journey. Better systems and clearer guidance are needed to make transitions truly fair and smooth.