The first lecture of the winter 2015 Psychology Graduate Research Series, co-hosted by the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies (CPS), will examine the development of a model of readiness for the transition from pediatric to adult health care for youth with sickle cell disease.
“Developing a Conceptual Model of Transition Readiness for Sickle Cell Disease”
- Student Presenters: Siddika Mulchan, Candice Johnson, Alyssa Newman
- Faculty Adviser: Jessica Valenzuela, Ph.D., assistant professor, CPS
- Wednesday, Jan. 28
- Noon–1:00 p.m.
- Maltz Psychology Building | Room 2057
Considering the unique experiences of youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) during the transition from pediatric to adult health care is critical to assessing transition readiness for this population. A conceptual model of transition readiness to guide the development of assessment tools for SCD is currently absent from the literature. Qualitative data from youth with SCD was collected and analyzed to identify themes relevant to transition readiness. The data was considered within the framework of an existing conceptual model of transition readiness for pediatric cancer patients.
Findings suggest that while components of this model may be appropriate for patients with SCD, additional areas related to pain, provider relationships, and disease-related knowledge warrant inclusion in order to adequately capture transition readiness in the SCD population. Future research and implications for clinical practice also will be discussed.
The Psychology Graduate Research Series is free and open to the public. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Mercedes Fernandez, Ph.D., associate professor at the college, or Sarah Valley-Gray, Psy.D., associate professor at the center.