Adults with sickle cell disease: Psychological impact and experience of hospital services

Abstract
Twenty-seven adults with sickle cell disease previously admitted to hospital during a painful sickling crisis were interviewed in order to explore their experiences of hospital haemoglobinopathy services and the psychological impact of the disease. Evidence was gained of global psychological distress, depression and anxiety in the sample. Patients also reported criticisms of hospital services particularly with regard to staff attitudes and the giving of analgesia. Recommendations are made for improving the delivery of hospital and community services for this population.