Mulchan SS, Valenzuela JM, Crosby LE, Diaz Pow Sang C. Applicability of the SMART Model of Transition Readiness for Sickle-Cell Disease.
J Pediatr Psychol 2015;
41:543-54. [PMID:
26717957 DOI:
10.1093/jpepsy/jsv120]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to examine the applicability of the Social-ecological Model of Adolescent and Young Adult Readiness to Transition (SMART) model for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with sickle-cell disease (SCD).
METHODS
14 AYA with SCD (14-24 years old) and 10 clinical experts (6-20 years of experience) completed semi-structured interviews. AYA completed brief questionnaires. Interviews were coded for themes, which were reviewed to determine their fit within the SMART model.
RESULTS
Overall, most themes were consistent with the model (e.g., sociodemographics/culture, neurocognition/IQ, etc.). Factors related to race/culture, pain management, health-care navigation skills, societal stigma, and lack of awareness about SCD were salient for AYA with SCD.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest the SMART model may be appropriate in SCD with the consideration of disease-related stigma. This study is a step toward developing a disease-specific model of transition readiness for SCD. Future directions include the development of a measure of transition readiness for this population.
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