Sources of evidence

Many people with sickle cell anaemia attend hospitals that specialise in the condition, where a multi disciplinary team provide advice on all physical, psychological, social and genetic aspects of the disorder. Others who do not live near a specialist centre attend the haematology clinic of the local hospital. Some people are routinely advised to attend the hospital clinic for treatment in the event of a painful crisis. Doctors and specialist nurses working in hospital clinics are able to provide medical reports for people who attend hospital for the majority of their treatments and regular monitoring.

People with milder disease including those who have infrequent crises or few health problems may be solely under the care of general practitioners from whom medical reports may be obtained.

It may be helpful to obtain a HCP medical examination report for people with stable or uncomplicated disease, who have little no regular contact with their medical attendants, or for whom there are no recent medical reports.

Medical Services can provide advice about people who have less common types of sickle cell disorders and thalassaemias, in which the clinical presentations and disabling effects differ from those found in classical sickle cell anaemia.

Amended May 2009