MedEdPORTAL (Aug 2014)
A Crash Course in Sickle Cell Disease
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Pediatric hematologists/oncologists frequently find that there is a lack of fundamental understanding of the genetic variability and clinical presentation of sickle cell disease. In addition, there are often barriers to care due to lack of smooth handoff from pediatrics to adult specialties. Moreover, there may be limited knowledge of quality-of-care pathways that reduce hospitalizations and improve quality. This case-based workshop illustrates the various complications of sickle cell anemia, with an emphasis on the presentation, workup, and treatment of these complications. It is ideal for third- or fourth-year medical students in both inpatient or outpatient pediatric rotations, as well as for residents and fellows who are primary caregivers for acutely ill patients. Methods Workshop materials include a PowerPoint presentation with a sickle cell overview, and eight cases. The session can be delivered in either 60 or 90 minutes, depending on number of cases selected, amount of time given to discussion, and level of learner. The ideal time frame is 90 minutes. If delivered in 60 minutes, we recommend presenting no more than five or six of the available cases. The workshop is designed to use active, rather than passive, learning styles. Therefore, the majority of activities involve participant discussion and interaction. Results Residents/fellows, hospitalists (medicine and pediatrics), and medical students found this workshop to be effective in all domains (e.g., content, presentation, clinical relevance). They reported that the workshop helped them gain a better understanding of the material and that having interactive discussions was particularly useful. Discussion This workshop has been requested annually as part of the fellows' crash course in pediatric hematology/oncology, as well as being part of the pediatric intern boot camp. Many of the clinical care guidelines presented in the workshop have been incorporated into our hospital guidelines in pediatrics as a means of improving the quality of care provided to patients with sickle cell disease.
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