Sickle Cell Disorder National Education Programme

The Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) Education Programme helps healthcare colleagues build strong clinical knowledge so they can provide safe, effective and compassionate care to people living with sickle cell disorder. The programme offers two courses, each focusing on different aspects of SCD care: the Sickle Cell Disorder Course and the Acute Sickle Care Course. 

 

Intended audience 

This programme is for people who provide care to individuals with sickle cell disorder, including: 

• Registered healthcare professionals 

• Healthcare students 

• Clinical staff working in emergency, inpatient, outpatient or community settings 

 

Key areas covered 

Across the two courses, learners explore: 

• What sickle cell disorder is and how it affects the body 

• Common complications, including acute chest syndrome 

• How to recognise and treat acute sickle cell pain as an emergency 

• NICE guidance on fast and effective pain management 

• How to monitor patients and recognise sudden deterioration 

• Planning care for people with SCD who are having surgery 

• The impact of racism, stigma and bias on patient experience 

• The importance of lived experience in shaping care 

Knowledge checks are included throughout to support learning and understanding. 

 

Learning objectives 

By the end of this programme, learners will be able to: 

• Recognise sickle cell pain as a medical emergency 

• Follow NICE guidance to provide fast, effective pain relief 

• Identify signs of sudden deterioration in people with SCD 

• Plan safe pre-operative care for people with sickle cell disorder 

• Identify and challenge stigma and discriminatory behaviours 

• Work in partnership with patients who are experts in their own condition