A randomised controlled provider-blinded trial of community health workers in sickle cell anaemia: effects on haematologic variables and hydroxyurea adherence

Authors: Wally R Smith, Donna K McClish, Richard Lottenberg, India Y Sisler, Daniel Sop, Shirley Johnson, Anthony Villella, Darla Liles, Elizabeth Yang, Ian Chen

In this study, researchers aimed to assess how case management impacts Hydroxyurea use and adherence for sickle cell anemia. Researchers recruited 224 patients with sickle cell anemia from Virginia and North Carolina, United States. Participants were assigned to one of two study groups. Both groups received standardized care and prescribing methods. However, the treatment group received case management and education from a patient navigator. At 12-months follow-up, patients in the experimental group missed fewer Hydroxyurea doses on average than those in the control group. Additionally, patients in the experimental group were more likely to fill their Hydroxyurea prescriptions. The behavioral changes detected in the experimental group offer evidence that targeted education by patient navigators may improve medication adherence in sickle cell anemia patients.