School staff lacks knowledge about sickle cell disease, student survey finds

  Students with sickle cell disease (SCD) feel that educators and administrators at their schools lack knowledge about SCD management — an issue that could be addressed by developing a handbook that staff could use to help students with SCD. The study with that finding, “Student perspectives on managing sickle cell disease at school,” was published in the journal Pediatric Blood & Cancer. Most children with SCD are able to lead normal lives, despite complications, such as acute or chronic pain crisis, which occur as a result of the disease. However, they require specific assistance to maintain their health and prevent complications that can affect them daily. In a home setting, monitoring the needs of a child with SCD tends to be more feasible. On the other hand, during the day, children spend most of their time in school, an environment in which SCD episodes can be challenging.