2023 Theses Doctoral

Experiences and Outcomes of Healthcare Transition in Cystic Fibrosis

South, Katherine

The aim of this dissertation is to explore experiences and describe outcomes of healthcare transition in cystic fibrosis (CF).

Chapter one introduces the central concepts of this dissertation, describes current gaps in the literature on healthcare transition in cystic fibrosis and introduces the Expanded Socioecological Model for Adolescent and Young Adult Readiness for Transition (Expanded SMART), which guides the three studies of this dissertation.

Chapter two is a qualitative meta-synthesis of 63 studies describing adolescent, young adult, and parent experiences of healthcare transition across a variety of chronic conditions. Chapter three is a qualitative study exploring perceptions of CF management responsibility among a sample of 15 adolescent with CF and parent dyads. Chapter four uses national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry data to examine healthcare transition outcomes associated with participation in the transition preparation program CF R.I.S.E. Chapter five synthesizes the three studies of this dissertation and provides recommendations for practice, policy, and research.