Telehealth Care Coordination Services for the Sickle Cell Patient Population

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia (SCA also known as sickle cell disease SCD) is a hereditary group of disorders in which a gene mutation causes red blood cells to become distorted and take on the shape similar to a farmer’s sickle. The shape of these blood cells predisposes individuals to blockage of their veins and arteries. Due to blood flowing in every part of the body, the sickled blood can cause multiple co-morbidities such as retinopathy, nephropathy, as well as cardiology and pulmonary issues. “Sickle cell anemia affects 7 million people worldwide.” (Bulgin et al, 2018, p. 675). Additionally, SCA is detrimental to the young adult population with the highest mortality rate being amongst those in the age range of 18 to 26 years.