Using a Social-ecological Framework to Guide Transition

Transition is a multi-dimensional process, involving patients, caregivers, providers, and the medical system as a whole. Variables within each stakeholder can affect the success of an individual’s transition. A social-ecological framework allows for a comprehensive approach to address the different components and complex intricacies that occur in transition of care from pediatric to adult health systems. In this chapter, we introduce the Social-ecological Model of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Readiness to Transition (SMART) as a model that utilizes this theoretical framework. We describe its components and validation and apply its applicability to various respiratory conditions. Currently, the SMART model has not been validated with or systematically applied to pulmonary patient populations. Future research is needed to study the use of SMART in chronic respiratory diseases in order to improve transition of care in the field of pulmonary medicine.