Clinical Report: Evaluating Non-Pharmacologic Approaches to Pain Management in Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Overview

This study evaluates the pain management practices of adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, highlighting their use of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods.

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent inherited disorder that leads to severe pain and other complications, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Current management often relies on opioids, which have limited long-term efficacy and can lead to adverse outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 81.8% of participants identified a relationship between stress and pain.
• 60.9% preferred peer moderators to co-lead pain management interventions.
• 85.7% preferred a fully in-person or hybrid intervention format.
• Participants reported various pain types, including severe bone pain and throbbing body-wide pain.
• Patients expressed a desire to learn and engage in additional non-pharmacologic pain relief techniques.

Clinical Implications

SCD patients are utilizing non-pharmacologic methods for pain relief and are interested in structured group interventions.

Conclusion

The study highlights the role of non-pharmacologic approaches in managing pain among SCD patients.

Related Resources & Content

1. American Society of Hematology, Hematology.org, 2023 -- SCD Guidelines Management of Acute and Chronic Pain
2. Digital cognitive behavioral therapy vs education for pain in adults with sickle cell disease, ScienceDirect, 2024 -- Digital cognitive behavioral therapy vs education intervention in population with sickle cell disease experiencing pain: A systematic review
3. The ASCO Post — Integrative Approaches to Managing Pain in Patients With Cancer: SIO-ASCO Guideline
4. The ASCO Post — Study Finds Evidence-Based Interventions Added to Screening Did Not Improve Cancer Pain
5. JAMA Network Open — Coping Strategies and Social Support for Transition Readiness Among Youth With Sickle Cell Disease
6. Drugs - Real World Outcomes — Addressing Health Equity Issues in Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease Experiencing Frequent Vaso-Occlusive Crises: Insights from a Global Survey Study
7. Integrative Approaches to Managing Pain in Patients With Cancer: SIO-ASCO Guideline
8. Study Finds Evidence-Based Interventions Added to Screening Did Not Improve Cancer Pain
9. Coping Strategies and Social Support for Transition Readiness Among Youth With Sickle Cell Disease
10. SCD Guidelines Management of Acute and Chronic Pain - Hematology.org
11. Digital cognitive behavioral therapy vs education for pain in adults with sickle cell disease - ScienceDirect
12. Digital cognitive behavioral therapy vs. education intervention in population with sickle cell disease experiencing pain: A systematic review - ScienceDirect