Mapping the Healthcare Pathway to Multidisciplinary Assessment of 12-25 Year Olds With Somatic Symptom Disorder
This research wants to understand the journey of young people, aged 12-25, who experience persistent physical symptoms that don't have a clear medical cause. These symptoms are sometimes called 'somatic symptoms'. The study aims to map out the different doctors and services these young people see until they reach a specialist team. Researchers will interview patients and their parents to look back at their healthcare experiences, important life events, and how they felt about the care they received. The goal is to better understand what helps and what doesn't, so that healthcare can be improved for others facing similar challenges.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about understanding how young people, aged between 12 and 25, find their way through the healthcare system when they have physical symptoms that doctors can't fully explain. Sometimes these symptoms are called 'somatic symptoms'. It's a common challenge, and often these young people might visit many different doctors and have lots of tests before they get the right help and support.
The researchers want to carefully track every step of this journey, from when the symptoms first appeared to when they were seen by a specialist team of different healthcare professionals. They will talk to the young people and their parents, asking them about their experiences, including what kind of care they received, how they felt about it, and any big life events that happened along the way. This helps paint a full picture of their healthcare pathway.
The main goal is to get a clearer understanding of what works well and where improvements can be made in the healthcare system for these young people. By learning from their experiences, the study hopes to make it easier for others with similar symptoms to get the right diagnosis and effective care more quickly in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study explores the healthcare journey of young people with unexplained physical symptoms.
- It aims to understand what care they received and how they felt about it.
- Participation involves a single interview with the young person and their parents.
- The goal is to improve future healthcare for others experiencing similar challenges.
- Participants must be 12-25 years old and diagnosed by a specific specialist team in Paris.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you would need to be between 12 and 25 years old. You must also have received a diagnosis of a somatic symptom disorder from a specialist team at the Maison des Adolescents at Cochin hospital in Paris.
Your parents could also take part if you, as their child, meet the above criteria. They would be asked to share their experiences and observations of your healthcare journey.
You would not be able to join the study if you are under 12 or over 25 when you are seen by the specialist team. Also, if you are currently experiencing a severe mental health crisis that would make it difficult for you to take part in an interview, you would not be able to participate at this time.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 12 and 25 years old?
- Have you been diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder by the specialist team at Maison des Adolescents of Cochin Hospital?
- Are you able to comfortably discuss your past healthcare experiences?
- Are you (or your child, if you are a parent) not currently experiencing a severe mental health crisis?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you and your parents would have a face-to-face interview with one of the researchers. During this interview, you would discuss your healthcare journey from when your symptoms first started until you were assessed by the specialist team. A special tool, like a timeline, would be used to help you remember all the different care events, appointments, and doctors you've seen. You would also talk about any important life events and how your symptoms have affected you. The interviews will be recorded. There are no medications involved and no follow-up appointments after the interview. The total duration of your participation would be the time taken for this one interview.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Maison de Solenn Maison des Adolescents, Cochin HospitalVerified postcodeParis, France
Common questions
What are 'somatic symptoms'?
These are physical symptoms, like pain or tiredness, that are real and distressing, but doctors can't find a clear medical cause for them, even after tests.
Why is this study only for 12-25 year olds?
The study focuses on this age group to understand their specific experiences during adolescence and early adulthood, which is a key time for healthcare development.
What does 'multidisciplinary assessment' mean?
It means being seen by a team of different healthcare professionals, like doctors, psychologists, or physiotherapists, who work together to understand your symptoms.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, all information you share will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes. Your name or any identifying details won't be shared.
Do I have to live in Paris to take part?
Yes, for this specific study, participants must have been diagnosed by the specialist team at the Maison des Adolescents in Cochin hospital, Paris.
How to find out more
Maude LUDOT-GREGOIRE, MD, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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