Randomized trial shows improved access and decreased acute care use in adults with sickle cell disease, indicating effective care delivery improvements.
Key Points
To evaluate the implementation and impacts of a comprehensive adult sickle cell disease center on outpatient engagement and acute care utilization.
Implemented a multidisciplinary adult sickle cell disease center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019.
Conducted a retrospective evaluation comparing care engagement and utilization before and after implementation (2017-2024).
Utilized electronic medical records to analyze outpatient visits, infusion therapy use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.
Adult sickle cell clinic population increased from baseline to 810 patients by 2024.
Mean acute care visits decreased significantly from 2.11 to 1.26 per person per year (p < 0.001).
Routine outpatient visits increased from 2.65 to 5.32 per person per year, highlighting improved outpatient engagement.