Readiness of Adolescent and Young Sickle Cell Patients to Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) face many challenges as they enter adulthood; therefore, preparing for the transition to adult care is crucial. Assessing the knowledge and skills adolescents and young adults (AYAs) possess before transitioning to adult care can aid in the success of their transition. However, a gap exists regarding factors attributed to guiding patients’ sense of readiness. The purpose of this quantitative study, driven by the theory of self-care management of SCD, was to examine the self-perceived readiness of SCD patients as they prepare to transition to adult care. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 68 sickle cell patients from a center in the northeastern U.S. Data analysis was conducted to examine the differences in readiness among AYAs based on several experiences and self-management skills. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, composite scores, Cronbach’s alpha test, and linear regression techniques. Meeting with an adult care provider was shown to have a positive impact on young adults’ self-perceived readiness (F (4,51) = 9.975, p \u3c .001). Results also indicate a significant association between self-perceived readiness and one’s perceptions of adult-oriented care (F (4,51) = 12.092, p \u3c .001). The social change implications of these findings include guiding the development of transition programs that are more targeted at meeting the transition needs of young adults with SCD