Treating Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: How Palliative Care Can Help
Hackensack University Medical Center CAPC Member
Summary
Patients with sickle cell disease often experience significant pain and symptom burden but may not consistently receive supportive palliative care services. After identifying this gap, the Hackensack team implemented a standardized referral process to ensure that patients hospitalized with sickle cell crises were evaluated for palliative care and connected to ongoing support when appropriate. This approach improved access to coordinated symptom management, personalized care planning, and supportive services.
Project Team
Katie DeMarco, DNP, MSHS, FNP-BC, APN, ACHPN
Clinical Supervisor and Palliative APN, Hackensack Meridian Health
Marisa Hamilton, LCSW
Social Worker, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health
