PATHWAYS-HORIZON
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Puberty suppression And Transitional Healthcare with Adaptive Youth Services (PATHWAYS). PATHWAYS – HORIZON: A longitudinal observational study
IRAS ID
350909
Contact name
Emily Simonoff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
The PATHWAYS-HORIZON study aims to improve understanding of gender incongruence in children and young people (CYP). Gender incongruence occurs when a person’s gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth, which can lead to a lot of emotional distress and discomfort with their bodies, especially during their teenage years. The PATHWAYS-HORIZON study is crucial because it addresses the lack of information on the long-term results of different treatments and interventions for gender incongruence.
The study seeks to answer key questions about the mental health, quality of life, and overall well-being of CYP referred to national gender services in the UK.
PATHWAYS-HORIZON is a long-term observational study involving approximately 3,600 participants. The study will collect data from the first study visit and annually for up to 5.5 years. Participants will complete questionnaires about their experiences, mental health, and quality of life. Sensitive measures, such as those related to suicidal thoughts and difficult experiences, will initially be completed by clinicians.Participants include CYP up to 18 years at first assessment, referred to the Children and Young People Gender Service (CYPGS) and their parents or caregivers. They will be asked to provide assent or consent and complete questionnaires about their health and well-being, either online or in-person, depending on their preferences and needs.
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is supported by King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Recruitment will take place at CYPGS across the UK.
The findings will provide information on the care needs and experiences of CYP with gender incongruence, helping to improve clinical practice and policies to support their long-term well-being and mental health. This will ultimately help improve the quality of life for these young individuals and their families.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0251
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion