SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Developing a Standard Operating Procedure for the Inpatient Management of Individuals With Sickle Cell Disease With Acute Vaso-Occlusive Crisis

Developing a Standard Operating Procedure for the Inpatient Management of Individuals With Sickle Cell Disease With Acute Vaso-Occlusive Crisis

Back to course

Pdf Summary

This document describes the development of a standardized inpatient protocol for managing sickle cell disease (SCD) patients admitted with acute vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). The project was created in response to common problems: patients often feel their pain is not adequately managed, and provider experience varies widely, leading to inconsistent treatment, concerns about opioid use, and longer hospital stays.<br /><br />A multidisciplinary team including hospitalists, hematology/oncology specialists, addiction medicine, and palliative care collaborated to build a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) using best practices from other institutions and published literature. The SOP defines how patients should be managed in the Emergency Department and inpatient setting, with clear goals such as pain control, hydration, and crisis resolution. It also provides a structured approach to pain treatment using both opioid and non-opioid options, guidance on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and recommendations for patients who have difficulty weaning from IV pain medications. Patients with SCD complications such as acute chest syndrome are excluded from the standard weaning process.<br /><br />The SOP was finalized in December 2024 and formally shared with the UCLA hospitalist group. Providers reported increased confidence in managing VOC, better collaboration across disciplines, and easier access to outpatient hematology input when cases are challenging. A dedicated EMR order set is being developed to support implementation. Early data suggest a reduction in length of stay for patients frequently admitted for VOC without additional SCD complications.<br /><br />The document also highlights the use of dedicated outpatient care plans for patients followed by UCLA hematology. These plans are created with patient input, stored in the EMR, and flagged with a banner during admission to reduce variability in care. Overall, the SOP aims to standardize treatment, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Ruchi Jain

Meta Tag

Author List Justin Peterson, Linda Czypinski, Neveen El-Farra, Ruchi Jain

Category Innovations

Concept Sickle Cell Disease

Concept Vaso-occlusive Pain

Concept Pain Management

Concept Opioid

Concept Non-Opioid Analgesic

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UCLA Health-David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Presenting Author Ruchi Jain

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

sickle cell disease

vaso-occlusive crisis

inpatient protocol

standard operating procedure

pain management

opioid therapy

patient-controlled analgesia

emergency department

length of stay

electronic medical record

Sickle Cell Disease

Vaso-occlusive Pain

Pain Management

Opioid

Non-Opioid Analgesic