Improving communication between patients with sickle cell disease and their healthcare providers
Official title: Adaptation and Pilot Testing of a Patient-provider Communication Intervention for Adults with Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10886277 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping adults with sickle cell disease talk more easily with their doctors so they can share their needs and concerns better, using a special method called SBAR3 to improve their care and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $159,432 |
| NIH project number | 1K99NR020799-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886277 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are living with sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by sickle cell disease or are under the age of 21 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the communication skills of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) to improve their interactions with healthcare providers. It aims to develop and pilot test a communication intervention called SBAR3, which helps patients articulate their needs and concerns effectively. By using this structured approach, patients can better engage in their care, leading to improved treatment adherence and health outcomes. The study will gather insights on the specific communication challenges faced by this population and tailor the intervention accordingly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients with sickle cell disease to communicate more effectively with their healthcare providers, leading to better health management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that communication interventions like SBAR3 have been successful in improving patient outcomes in other chronic disease populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Julia a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Julia a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital twins of the spleen to help design better therapies for sickle cell disease
A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
-
Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.