Introduction
As a practitioner dedicated to enhancing child health outcomes, understanding the nuances of stroke risk screening in children with sickle cell anemia is crucial. The DISPLACE consortium's research provides valuable insights into the barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation of transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening. This blog will explore these findings and offer actionable strategies to improve your practice.
Understanding the Barriers
The DISPLACE consortium identified two predominant barriers to effective TCD screening: logistical difficulties and gaps in scheduling and coordination. These barriers are multifaceted, involving patient-level challenges such as transportation issues and competing life demands, as well as organizational hurdles like coordination among departments.
- Logistical Difficulties and Competing Life Demands: Many families face transportation challenges and struggle to balance medical appointments with work and school commitments. Providers often note missed appointments and the difficulty in rescheduling, leading to gaps in care.
- Gaps in Scheduling and Coordination: The separation of TCD scheduling from routine clinic visits complicates the process, causing frustration for both families and providers. This barrier highlights the need for streamlined scheduling systems.
Leveraging Facilitators
On the positive side, the consortium identified five key facilitators that can enhance TCD screening implementation:
- Education and Information: Educating families about the importance of TCD screening and stroke risk is crucial. Providing clear, repeated information can improve adherence and understanding.
- Positive Patient Experience: Creating a welcoming and supportive environment during screenings can alleviate anxiety and improve cooperation from children.
- Provider and Staff Investment and Assistance: Dedicated staff who assist with scheduling and coordination play a vital role in overcoming logistical barriers.
- Coordination, Scheduling, and Reminders: Effective coordination between departments and the use of reminders can significantly improve appointment adherence.
- Convenient Location: Having TCD screenings conducted in the same facility as routine clinic visits reduces travel time and effort for families.
Actionable Strategies for Practitioners
To enhance TCD screening implementation in your practice, consider the following strategies:
- Enhance Coordination: Work with your team to integrate TCD scheduling with routine clinic visits. Utilize technology to streamline appointment reminders and follow-ups.
- Focus on Education: Develop educational materials that clearly explain the importance of TCD screening. Ensure that all staff members are equipped to communicate this information effectively to families.
- Improve Patient Experience: Create a child-friendly environment during screenings. Consider using distractions like videos or toys to keep children calm and cooperative.
- Leverage Technology: Implement patient tracking software to monitor appointments and follow-ups, ensuring no child falls through the cracks.
Conclusion
By addressing the barriers and leveraging the facilitators identified by the DISPLACE consortium, practitioners can significantly improve the implementation of TCD screening in children with sickle cell anemia. This not only enhances patient outcomes but also contributes to a more efficient and effective healthcare system.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Identified barriers and facilitators to stroke risk screening in children with sickle cell anemia: results from the DISPLACE consortium.
