The Management of Sickle Cell Disease in a Primary Care Setting

With increasing burdens placed on Primary Care Physicians in the prevention and management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), it is imperative that there is some basic understanding of the same. Needless to say, its management is a multifocal, multidisciplinary approach which includes a collaborative effort between patients, family members and the healthcare team. Primary Care Physicians must be familiar with the pathophysiological processes, diagnostic evaluation, and current standard of care, new treatment options, clinical research advances and medical management of sickle hemoglobinopathies and their complications. The guidelines should include new born screening and assessment, accessible medical records for those diagnosed with SCD, system support and prevention, management of complication and crisis periods and home management (dietary and lifestyle modifications).