Experiences of Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease in Rural Emergency Departments

BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to describe guardian perceptions of the experiences of a sample of youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) in rural emergency departments (EDs) with a focus on overall patient satisfaction and characteristics of care. PROCEDURE Guardians of 139 children with SCD (0 to 17 y) seen at a rural pediatric SCD clinic completed a survey concerning their children's ED experiences in the past 6 months, including information about ED wait times, quality of communications and interactions with the ED health care providers, pain management, perceptions of speed of care, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS About 41% of guardians reported that their child visited the ED in the past 6 months. Guardians reported moderate satisfaction with ED care. About 25% of those who visited the ED indicated that health care providers did not spend enough time with them and their children did not receive speedy care. Shorter ED wait times and higher ratings of speed of care predicted higher satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Families of youth with SCD are experiencing longer wait times in rural EDs which contribute to dissatisfaction with care. Efforts are needed to develop strategies to reduce ED wait times and improve speed of care which may improve outcomes following ED care.