Research and Data Insights
Primary Care Physicians
Primary Care Physicians play an important role in the management of sickle cell disease management through familiarity with pathophysiological processes, diagnostic evaluation, and current standard of care, new treatment options, clinical research advances and medical management of sickle hemoglobinopathies and their complications.
Source: The Management of Sickle Cell Disease in a Primary Care Setting
Nurses
Nurses play a pivotal role in supporting sickle cell disease patients through ensuring optimal care, including:
- Assessing and identifying complications
- Advocating for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches
- Individualizing care to meet patient and family needs
- Family education, which should include sickle cell disease management, how to recognize signs and symptoms of severe complications, and when to notify their provider.
Source: Caring for Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: Primary care has a limited role in sickle cell disease care.
Fact: Establishing a medical home — comprehensive care based on a partnership between the patient, family, primary care physician, and other medical staff — is of paramount importance to the care of the sickle cell disease patient.