1- Identify one intervention that can be taken by the RN to reduce the stigma and
improve management of acute and chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease.
2- Does the intervention apply only to the patient? Does it apply only to the
interprofessional team? Does it apply to both the patient and the members of the
interprofessional team? Explain and support your answer.
INTERVENTION FOR THE SCD
Question 1
Identification of the proper standards of care helps in the reduction of stigma and
improvement of treatment as well as proper pain management. The RN nurse can adopt various
strategies aimed at ensuring the issue of stigmatization is thoroughly dealt with while at the same
time ensuring proper management of pain for those suffering from sickle cell disease (Janerette
et al, 2014). Clinical practice recommendations and provision of education are the appropriate
interventions for the crisis. Some of the strategies used by the RN to control health related stigma
include cognitive behavior therapy, treatment, and counseling. Education is one of the key
INTERVENTION FOR THE SCD 2
interventions that can be administered using the support groups channel, empowerment, and
advocacy to help in solving the issue (Janerette et al, 2014). The RN enhances better
communication of the patient’s needs and satisfaction. Skills of living with the disease should be
taught early while it is also essential for the nurses to reduce the cases of delays in seeking for
drugs and medication. Provision for the rapid control of pain and acute illness, and monitoring of
the vital signs and management of the pain algorithm are strategies used in improving pain
management (Wilson & Nelson, 2015).
Question 2
The intervention and other strategies employed also apply to the inter-professional team
as they are the main managers of pain. The intervention is efficient in contributing to the
improvement of the health outcomes and nursing knowledge for the SCD clients (Janerette et al,
2014). The inter-professional team also needs education on the disease process and management
of pain. The members of the inter-professional team significantly help in reducing the mortality
and morbidity of the sickle cell patients through the adoption of evidence-based practices
(Wilson & Nelson, 2015). The improvement of the care-seeking experience requires the
involvement of the family members of the SCD client, the patient, and the health professional
team to ensure that the adopted intervention is fully effective.
INTERVENTION FOR THE SCD 3
References
Jenerette, C. M. et al (2014). Care seeking for pain in young adults with sickle cell disease. Pain
Management Nursing, 15(1), 324-330 7p.
Wilson, B. H., & Nelson, J. (2015). Sickle cell disease pain management in adolescents: A
literature review. Pain Management Nursing, 16, 146-151.