Paula Tanabe, vice dean, Research, wrote "It's Time to Provide Evidence-Based Care to Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease: A Call to Action" for the "Journal of Emergency Nursing." 

Abstract

In the current issue of the Journal of Emergency Nursing, Linton et al report on their successful implementation of a clinical support tool (a banner to recommend emergency severity index [ESI] triage level 2) to improve the care of sickle cell disease (SCD) for individuals presenting to the emergency department with severe pain referred to as vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). The researchers and clinical team are to be commended. The correct assignment of a high priority triage level is evidence-based and important to facilitate rapid placement in a treatment area to expedite pain management. Individuals with SCD experience sudden onset of excruciating pain that they often describe as feeling as though their bones are breaking. Historically, pain management for these individuals has been frustrating for patients and ED providers. Evidence-based management of SCD is a priority for the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). The work by Linton et al is in alignment with ENA's priorities that were reflected in 2019 at the General Assembly with the passage of resolution GA-19-09 (passed with 87.6% of the 653 delegates).