The UAMS Adult Sickle Cell Clinical Program provides a Multidisciplinary Clinic for adult patients with sickle cell anemia from across the state. Patients are scheduled for annual comprehensive appointments unless they have more severe complications that require more frequent follow-ups. Based on each visit, an individualized care plan is created to guide the patient’s medical management for the year and is shared with their primary care provider.
The Multidisciplinary Clinic includes:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): The APRN collaborates with physicians and the broader care team to provide medical services to patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker: The social worker is available weekly to support patients and their families with social and emotional needs, assistance with uncovered health-related expenses, transportation, and employment options. They also play a vital role in transitioning care from pediatric to adult services.
- Registered Nurse (RN): The RN supports outpatient care delivery and acts as a community outreach coordinator, helping connect the clinic with community organizations and healthcare providers statewide. This individual also serves as the liaison between the call center and the clinical team to ensure patient inquiries are addressed promptly.
- Pharmacist: A clinical pharmacist assists in providing comprehensive medication management, including medication reconciliation, patient counseling, and evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed treatments.
Patients are also referred for annual eye exams and mental health evaluations as needed to support their overall wellness.
With approximately 900 adult sickle cell patients living in Arkansas, continued outreach and care coordination remain essential. The program is committed to improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with sickle cell disease throughout the state, living in Arkansas, so there is still work to do to reach each one. We are providing a better state of health for the sickle cell patients in Arkansas.