DISPLACE is a three part, multi-center U.S. based study to evaluate the barriers to stroke screening and prevention in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). In the United States, TCD (Transcranial Doppler ultrasound) is a proven method of screening children with SCA for stroke. However, many children are not getting the screening they need. This study will examine the issues that hinder and help children get the screening at 28 different hospitals and sickle cell centers to improve care for all children with sickle cell anemia. The investigators will then plan a study (part 3) aimed to improve stroke screening and prevention in sickle cell anemia.
DISPLACE (Dissemination and Implementation of Stroke Prevention: Looking At the Care Environment) is a multi-center, national NHLBI-funded grant to evaluate the real world implementation of the STOP protocol in which transcranial Doppler (TCD), a measure of cerebral blood vessel velocity, is used to screen for stroke risk in children ages 2-16 with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Based on the STOP (Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia) protocol, children identified as high risk of stroke by TCD are initiated on chronic red cell transfusion therapy (CRCT) for stroke prevention. Children with normal TCD are screened annually from the age of 2 until they are 16 years of age. This will be a THREE-part study beginning with Part 1 - a retrospective case record review followed by Part 2 - a multi-level qualitative assessment of barriers and enablers to TCD screening and initiation of chronic red blood cell transfusions and later adding Part 3 - a multi-center implementation clinical trial.The investigators will compare two implementation interventions to improve TCD screening. There are three aims of the grant and each aim is equivalent to the respective parts of the grant (i.e. Part 1 covers 1 aim). There are a total 28 consortium sites. The Medical University of South Carolina is the lead institution for this study.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
5,247
A convenience sample of patients/parents and stakeholders will be asked to participate in a survey and/or interview to evaluate barriers to care in sickle cell.
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Annual TCD screening rates (retrospective data assessment)
Current rate of TCD screening over the last 5 years
Time frame: 2 years
Identify the barriers and enablers to TCD screening
This study will assess two different implementation strategies to improve TCD screening. To determine which strategy is more effective, a difference in TCD screening rates of at least 17% between intervention arms is necessary. If there is not at least a 17% difference in annual TCD screening rates, it will be impossible to determine the optimal implementation procedures
Time frame: 2 years
Retrospective assessment of initiation of chronic transfusion therapy in patients over the last 5 years in those children at risk of stroke
Patients with abnormal TCD should be started on chronic transfusion therapy. The goal of the intervention is to increase institutional initiation of CRCT in at least 95% of patients noted to have abnormal TCD
Time frame: 2 years
Evaluate patient and stakeholder reported barriers to CRCT
The investigators will asses barriers to CRCT
Time frame: 2 years
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