CHLA Physician-Researcher Urges Pediatric Community to Expand Quality Improvement Measures for Sickle Cell Disease Preventive Care
Ashaunta Anderson, MD, MPH, MSHS, Pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, published an op-ed in MedPage Today on August 26 discussing the shocking findings of her recent study “National Quality Indicators in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia,” in the journal American Academy of Pediatrics. Sickle cell anemia is the most common form of sickle cell disease, a life-threatening genetic condition that is a leading cause of stroke in children.
In the op-ed, Dr. Anderson explains that many children with sickle cell disease are not receiving the preventive care recommended to reduce sickness and life-threatening disability. Her study found several disparities in the quality of care among children with sickle cell anemia. Those with private insurance generally receive the preventive care they need to keep them healthier, while preventive care for children from low-income families insured by Medicaid varies by state and location.
In her op-ed, she discusses the importance of expanding education for pediatricians, pediatric hematologists and families to help fill deficiencies in preventive care, as well as instituting tailored quality improvement programs in every clinic and hospital.
